We are surrounded by wireless networks and features that we can use on our devices without the need for cables. We can connect to the Internet, for example, without having to connect to the cable router. We can also transfer files and information between devices without a physical connection between them.
The same occurs when making a payment with our mobile, for example; in this case we use NFC technology. Now this can also be attacked and put our security at risk. We are going to talk about it in this article. We are going to talk about what NFC attacks are and what we can do to prevent them.
What are NFC attacks
NFC is the technology that allows us, among other things, to make a payment through our mobile phone or even a smart watch. As we know it is enough to bring the device closer to the POS and make the payment as if it were a bank card. We don’t even need to enter the PIN if the cost is low.
It is a technology that has been around for a long time but that perhaps we are beginning to use more than ever. It does not have a great scope, since we will have to bring the device very close to make it work. Basically what we do is send information from one device to another.
Now, as usually happens with any wireless technology, the truth is that we can be victims of some types of attacks. NFC attacks, although not very frequent, are present.
It must be assumed that the NFC is safe, but that does not mean that it cannot be exploited to carry out attacks. These types of connections are simply made automatically when bringing multiple devices closer together and do not require you to log in of any kind or activate anything additional. It is a difference with other wireless networks such as Wi-Fi, which requires entering a password to connect.
This means that even though it is necessary to bring the device closer and the security measures that exist, there can sometimes be attacks. An NFC attack can occur when a device is infected with malware. When implementing these types of connections, it could remotely activate this malware and, in turn, manage to infect the other device or execute malicious commands.
NFC is closely linked to automatic functions. This means that simply by passing one device near another we will be able to send information that we do not want. For example passwords or personal data. This, as we have mentioned, in case we are victims of some type of malware configured for it.
One of the most dangerous points of NFC attacks is that they can be executed without the user knowing that a transfer is in progress.
We have also seen cases in which an attack of this type could allow taking control of the other device. It mainly affects mobile devices, which today most have NFC technology.
How to avoid NFC attacks
Now, what can we do to avoid falling victim to NFC attacks? Luckily we can take into account certain tips for this. In this way we will avoid problems that may compromise our security and privacy.
A very effective way to avoid attacks by NFC is to disable it when we are not going to use it. In this way we will not make involuntary transfers when we approach a device, for example. Thus we will not send information of any kind or compromise our security.
It is also important to maintain the security of the device. We have already seen that sometimes there may be malware on systems that can compromise security. They could serve to carry out attacks of this type. It is important that we have security tools . A good antivirus can prevent malware from entering.
On the other hand, it is necessary that we have updated systems. Sometimes vulnerabilities arise that can precisely cause this type of attack. We always need to install the latest available patches and updates.
