Iconic designer Philippe Starck has created a smart ring that can be used to store payment cards and transport passes, make contactless payments, and transfer business and ID information... More
Encryption
Korean bank to protect mobile banking transactions with quantum cryptography
Transactions conducted by customers using Korean bank DGB Daegu’s IM Bank mobile banking app on a Samsung Galaxy A Quantum 5G smartphone will soon be secured with 5G quantum cryptography technology that generates true random numbers to encrypt one-time passwords and identity verification information... More
MintID protects precious metals with NFC chips
MintID has introduced a series of gold and silver bars and coins that use tamper-proof NFC security chips to provide bullion investors with assurance that they are buying a genuine product... More
Cornèr Banca issues biometric payment card
Swiss bank Cornèr Banca has launched a biometric payment card that lets customers make contactless payments without being restricted to the usual CHF40 (US$40) contactless transaction limit... More
Maersk to use NFC to track the status of refrigerated shipping containers
Shipping giant Maersk is to introduce a new service that will enable refrigerated container (reefer) operators to efficiently monitor the status of their goods-in-transit wherever they are in the world, using an NFC-enabled tracking system that supports GPS location, temperature readings and alarms, optional G-shock recording and the potential to automate a range of government approvals... More
GlobalPlatform sets out IoT security role for secure elements
GlobalPlatform simplifies implementation of standardized IoT device security — GlobalPlatform — “GlobalPlatform, the standard for secure digital services and devices, has published a configuration that simplifies the implementation of secure element (SE) specifications for the protection of internet of things (IoT) devices… The configuration supports root of trust (RoT) device identity, the protection of critical assets, state-of-the-art AES cryptography for device management and authentication, allowing automatic enrolment to online cloud services.”
NXP unveils high security NFC tags that let brands deliver digitally connected products at scale
PARTNER NEWS: NXP has launched two new NFC tags that incorporate both product protection and channel authentication security features, enabling brands to take advantage of the tag reading capabilities of both Android and iOS devices to roll out NFC-based customer communication and product authentication services at scale... More
Bitcoin owners turn to NFC implants to keep their cryptocurrency safe
Bitcoin under the skin – Why people are using subdermal microchip wallets — CCN — “Dutchman Martijn Wismeijer is very cautious when it comes to storing Bitcoin so much so that in 2014, he had two NFC (near field communication) chips surgically implanted into each hand to store his encrypted Bitcoin keys. Wismeijer stated a number of reasons for the drastic method of storing crypto, saying he had lost the majority of his Bitcoin over the years to exchange failure, hacking, and theft… Wismeijer says he uses his chips every day to make purchases — the process involves scanning the chips with his smartphone to receive and then decrypt the keys in order to make a transaction.”
Okey Co joins the NFC World Partner Program
NFC World today welcomes Beijing-based Okey Co as a member of our partner program... More
New protocol alerts users to encryption breaches
Computer scientists address gap in messaging privacy — University of Birmingham — “With current end-to-end encryption, if an attacker compromises a recipient’s device, they can then put themselves in a position to intercept, read and alter all future communications without sender or recipient ever knowing. The new protocol, published in IEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security, forces attackers to leave evidence of any such activity and alerts users to take action.”
What code is running on Apple’s Secure Enclave security chip? Now we have a decryption key…
What code is running on Apple’s Secure Enclave security chip? Now we have a decryption key… — The Register — “Apple’s Secure Enclave, an ARM-based coprocessor used to enhance iOS security, became a bit less secure on Thursday with the publication of a firmware decryption key. The key does not provide access to the Secure Enclave Processor (SEP). Rather, it offers the opportunity to decrypt and explore the otherwise encrypted firmware code that governs it.”
Chinese satellite relays a quantum signal between cities
Chinese satellite relays a quantum signal between cities — Wired — “This experiment was a crucial test for a budding technology called quantum cryptography, which uses quantum particles like photons to send secure information… Researchers like Lu and his colleagues think quantum cryptography could be the encryption tool of the future.”
New York forces smart lock maker to improve its security
New York forces smart lock maker to improve its security — Engadget — “Utah-based Safetech Products has agreed to encrypt all of its smart lock passwords, electronic keys and other credentials within its locks, prompt users to change the default password upon initial setup and establish a more comprehensive security program.”
Apple Pay violates patents held by security technology inventor, lawsuit alleges
Apple Pay violates patents held by security technology inventor, lawsuit alleges — The New York Times — “A small Boston company, founded by the inventor of a popular corporate encryption technology called RSA SecurID, sued Apple and Visa on Sunday, arguing that the Apple Pay digital payment technology violates its patents.”
Mastercard tests biometric payments card in South Africa
Employees at Pick n Pay supermarket stores and Absa Bank staff across South Africa have been trialling a biometric card developed by Mastercard that lets them make a payment at any EMV terminal and authenticate the transaction by placing their finger on the embedded sensor. Additional trials are planned over the next few months, with a full roll out expected “later this year”. More
Singapore to add open APIs to government IDs
The Singapore government is to add open APIs, biometrics and encryption to its digital identity system, as well as launch a mobile P2P service to allow money transfers using mobile phone numbers... More
Gemalto’s PKI portfolio update lets TSPs roll out eIDAS compliant services
PARTNER NEWS: Digital security giant Gemalto has updated its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) portfolio to include solutions for qualified electronic signatures that enable Trust Service Providers (TSPs) to roll out eIDAS (Electronic Identification and Services) compliant options for “easier and safer” cross-border electronic identification, signing and transactions... More
US Payments Forum to study mobile and contactless payments
The US Payments Forum is creating the Mobile and Contactless Payments Working Committee, to explore mobile and contactless payment opportunities and challenges, identify solutions, and share guidance and best practice... More
IBM in blockchain project with Singapore fintech startup
IBM has announced a blockchain project with Singapore fintech startup KYCK... More
Facebook update brings tokenization to Messenger payments
Facebook has introduced a payments update to its Messenger platform that will allow US businesses who are not integrated with Stripe or PayPal to process payments within both messages and webview using tokenization technology... More