As the festive shopping season continues, more smartphone users are relying on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for contactless payments and other services, replacing traditional credit cards and smart ticketing systems. However, cybersecurity experts are sounding alarms over the growing risk of NFC tag tampering, a threat that could expose users to phishing attacks, malware, and data theft.
Marc Rivero, Lead Security Researcher at Kaspersky, highlights the dangers of NFC technology, stating that while it offers great convenience, it also provides a vector for malicious activity. “Innocent-looking tags in public spaces can be reprogrammed or replaced to carry out harmful actions,” he warned. As NFC adoption rises across various sectors, including payments, public transport, and marketing, malicious actors are becoming more sophisticated, potentially targeting thousands of users in urban areas.
NFC tag tampering occurs when legitimate tags, commonly used in marketing campaigns, public transport systems, and smart homes, are either reprogrammed or replaced with malicious ones. These tampered tags can redirect users to phishing websites, initiate harmful actions on their devices, or deliver malware. Public spaces such as transportation hubs, cafes, and retail stores are common hotspots for these attacks.
The consequences of interacting with a malicious NFC tag can be severe. In addition to phishing attacks that steal personal data and login credentials, malicious tags can exploit vulnerabilities in a smartphone’s NFC reader to compromise security. They may also prompt users to download harmful apps or files, potentially damaging the device and leading to significant privacy and financial losses.
To protect themselves, users are advised to inspect NFC tags carefully, avoid scanning tags in suspicious locations, and verify the actions triggered by a tag before proceeding. Enabling security features such as requiring confirmation before executing NFC-related actions, installing reliable security software, and keeping smartphones updated are all essential measures.
For businesses, experts recommend using locked or “read-only” NFC tags to prevent tampering, regularly inspecting tags in public spaces, and educating customers and employees about safe NFC practices.
As NFC technology continues to evolve, experts urge both users and organisations to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding against NFC tag tampering.
