Many might not be familiar with the term NFC, but did you know that this technology is a part of our everyday lives? It is present in our phones, credit cards, or debit cards, and even on passports which can be used for NFC Passport-based identity verification. So what exactly is NFC technology and what are its benefits? Find the answers in this article.
What is NFC Technology?
NFC or Near Field Communication is a close-range communication technology that allows wireless connectivity to exchange data within a range of no more than 4 centimeters, using a frequency of 13.56 MHz. It can transfer data at speeds up to 424 kilobits per second, with a connection initiation speed of 0.1 seconds. These features make it suitable for communication between electronic devices in close proximity because it is convenient, fast, and secure.
The advantages of using NFC
The basic functionality of NFC, or Near Field Communication, is the transfer of data over short distances, making it useful in everyday life
- Contactless payments: such as with credit cards, debit cards, and transit cards.
- Information transfer via Smart Labels or intelligent tags and business cards that can be quickly read by simply tapping a smartphone.
- Device connectivity between smartphones, such as headphones, speakers, smart TVs, etc.
- Use of secure keycards for access control in various locations for security purposes.
- Identity verification using passports, or NFC Passports.
Identity Verification with NFC Technology
As previously mentioned, NFC is a technology that has been integrated into our daily lives for a while now, thanks to its wireless connectivity features that facilitate convenience. Especially in the post-Covid 19 era, where avoiding direct contact has become a new norm, NFC technology has become a solution that meets the needs of users who want to minimize touch for safety reasons.
Apart from being utilized for contactless payments and data transfer, NFC technology is now being developed for NFC Passports, or identity verification via passports, using NFC Passport Readers to check travel data and transactions. This helps reduce the risk of document forgery, cuts down on paper use, and enhances the convenience and speed for service users.
What are NFC Passport and NFC Passport Reader?
NFC Passport authentication through an NFC Passport Reader involves scanning and the NFC technology then extracts data from the passport, similar to the Dipchip on a Thai ID card. This includes full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, and expiration date, which can be used for immigration checks, airline check-ins, hotel registrations, retail transactions, and banking transactions.
NFC Passport helps to reduce data entry errors and photo mishandling, is user-friendly, and saves time, similar to E-KYC technology.
NFC Technology and Security
Due to NFC’s ability to transmit data only within a very short range, typically no more than 4 centimeters, it requires direct proximity to the receiving device and remains under the control of the responsible operator. Therefore, it offers a high level of security. However, there are precautions that should be considered:
- Inspect the receiver for any suspicious devices that may have been installed.
- Set up passwords to prevent data from being used without authorization.
- If using NFC through a smartphone, ensure to turn off the NFC connection when not in use.
Technology has made daily life much more convenient. Solutions that meet consumer needs are essential and should not be overlooked by organizations to fully satisfy user demands.
