Smartphones increasingly rely on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for convenience and connectivity, but cybersecurity experts warn about a rising threat: NFC tag tampering. This tactic, often overlooked, can expose users to phishing attacks, malware, and data theft with a simple tap of their phone.
Marc Rivero, Lead Security Researcher at Kaspersky, said: “NFC technology is incredibly convenient, but it’s also a vector for malicious activity if users aren’t cautious. Innocent-looking tags in public spaces can be reprogrammed or replaced to carry out harmful actions. As the adoption of NFC continues to grow in areas like payments, public transport, and marketing, we anticipate that malicious actors will become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. In the next few years, NFC-related attacks could potentially target thousands of users globally, particularly in urban areas where NFC usage is widespread. Awareness and proactive measures are key to mitigating these risks.”
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NFC tags are widely used in marketing campaigns, public transport systems and smart home setups to enable quick, touch-free interactions.
NFC is vital for the ever-increasing usage of digital wallets
However, this same convenience makes them susceptible to tampering by malicious actors.
One method involves reprogramming legitimate NFC tags. These tags, when left unlocked, can be altered to redirect users to phishing sites, initiate unintended actions on their devices, or even deliver harmful software payloads.
The consequences of interacting with a malicious NFC tag can be severe. Phishing attacks are among the most common outcomes, where users are redirected to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information or login credentials.
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By GlobalDataTo stay safe, users are encouraged to avoid scanning tags in untrusted or suspicious locations and look for signs of tampering. Always carefully explore the URL or action triggered by a tag before proceeding. Configure your smartphone to require confirmation before executing NFC-related commands. Install a reliable security solution on the device to reduce the risks. Ensure your smartphone’s software is up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
