NFC Near Field Communications

 I've spoken on the topic of near filed communications (NFC) as it relates to credit cards. To expand to other devices and NFC's other issues and problems:

 NBC has been warning of a "mystery device" that allows cars to be easily stolen since June, 2013. It made the evening news again 12/7/016. Most newer cars have the device. A key fob you carry, when it is within close range of the vehicle you can unlock the doors, raise the trunk, etc. With the key fob on or near your person you can start the car and drive away. Convenient. Law enforcement noted a increase in auto thefts and did not know how the thefts were facilitated. Seems thieves are using the key fobs NFC capability to clone the key fob, to use just as the owner does. Convenient. Videos online show a demonstration of the mystery device. The thief just follows closely behind an owner for a few seconds with the device, gets an indication the key fob has been copied and cloned, goes to the car, opens the door, starts the car and drives away. The auto industry is working on a solution. Until then park in crowded areas (not a problem during holiday shopping) and be aware of people in close proximity (a problem during holiday shopping).

 Credit and debit cards, smart phones and other devices use NFC. The "Tap and GO" point of sale terminals use NFC. A similar method of getting close to the card and/or phone, copying the devices information, making a clone, then using the device to "Tap and GO" with your bank information for their purposes is being widely used as well. The device information can be copied while the card or phone are near a point of sell terminal   --   or on your person. You can buy metal shielded envelopes to add some protection.

 Another method thieves use is loading malware on your NFC capable phone. Usually disguised as a game, the malware uses NFC to search near by for a NFC credit or debit card, copies the information, then sends the bank details via email to the thieves. Again protect yourself with a metal shield envelope for the cards and be aware of your surroundings.

 Yet another vector is phone to phone infection. Vendors of NFC capable phones show the use of tapping two phones together to transfer contact info, etc.  That same "tap" can load malware to the phone.

 Be aware. Be careful, Be safer.