Extensive use of contactless technology worldwide

Contactless technology is familiar notion today for all of us as this technical procedure is used by people since last two decades. Contactless technology emerged as an innovative payment technique, which enable users to make their purchases without having card come into direct contact with the terminal. It help people to conduct transactions fast, easily and safely.

Contactless technology denotes to contactless smart card technology. Contactless smart cards contain small but sophisticated computers and interconnect with card readers wirelessly via short-range radio frequency. A contactless smart card is adept to deliver the highest levels of computer security to protect person’s identity, privacy and/or sensitive financial information.

Contactless technology was coined by the Britishers during World War II to recognize aircraft returning from mainland Europe. This system, the IFF (Identify: Friend or Foe) system, was the first general use of radio frequency identification (RFID).

Presently, millions of people use contactless technology daily in bank payment cards, passports, identity cards, and transit fare cards for secure, fast and convenient transactions.

Operation of contactless card for payment:

1. Check that payment card has the contactless symbol.

2. At participating merchants, where users see the contactless symbol, let the merchant know user wants to pay using their contactless card and whether they like a receipt for the transaction.

3. When the transaction amount is shown on the terminal, hold card within 4cm of the contactless symbol.

4. The terminal will indicate once transaction is approved. It is important to collect receipt if users asked for one, and they are done.

Security features:

-      Contactless cards are designed using the same secure system as Chip & PIN, so users can freely use while shopping.

-      Every contactless card has array of strong security features which shield user information and protects against any cyber fraud.

-      Contactless cards only work when they are just a few centimeters from the card machine.

Contactless smart card technology is perfect for physical access control applications. Because ID credentials and readers are typically exposed to the elements and have high usage, sealed contactless technology prevents damage when cards and readers are exposed to dirt, water, cold, and other harsh environmental conditions.

Prime benefits of using contactless smart card technology for physical access are mentioned below.

•      High speed of access and high throughput

•      Useable in harsh or dirty environments

•      User friendly: It does not require insertion of the card into the reader. No issues with orientation of the card. It can be kept in wallet or purse for personal security during use.

•      Same high level of security as contact smart cards (e.g., digital signatures)

•      Protected storage of data on the card.

•      Flexibility to incorporate multiple applications with different modes.

•      More durable and reliable cards.

•      Compatible to accommodate local security staffing, training and implementation.

•      Established international standards (ISO/IEC).

In closing statement, Contactless technology is established technology originally developed to help identify objects. This technology has advanced and has numerous new applications, such as access control, inventory management, data exchange, contactless point-of-sale payments and toll collections. Contactless technology has feature to make payment at speedy rate through contactless card.