A British company has developed new security technology to
prevent the
wireless
"skimming" of contactless payment and access cards.
The new generation of contactless credit cards, passports and
access control devices use short-range
radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.
It is possible for someone to "skim" (or read) these without the
owner realising it by using a handheld scanner a few feet away.
The stolen information can then be used to make cloned copies
resulting in
financial and identity fraud.
British company Peratech has devised a system which it says will
prevent unauthorised skimming.
Peratech said it has developed patented technology called
Quantum Tunnelling
Composites (QTC).
This system creates a tiny, ultra-thin, pressure sensitive
switch "which ensures that the device can only be read when the
owner is pressing the switch", said Peratech.
The company plans to reveal more details about its security
system on 5 September.