Researchers see privacy pitfalls in no-swipe credit cards

Security of the cards, which can be read through a wallet or clothing, is startlingly weak, researchers say.
The New York Times

The story "Researchers see privacy pitfalls in no-swipe credit cards" published October 23, 2006 at 6:28 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[umbrae]

RFID BAD

I cannot believe anyone would willingly use a credit card that used RFID. I can understand RFID for shipping and inventory systems, but anything with personal information is just plain STUPID!

[bobby_brady]

Agree! RFID is just another gimmick that will fail.

It will only take me 1/2 to 3/4 seconds more to swipe my credit card, than to wave it over some reader. I don't see what the big deal is with RFID. I can also imagine it mistaken reading various credit cards in my wallet.

RFID for credit cards is stupid, and IMO it's another gimmick that will fail.

[starch_y]

RFID credit cards - a solution looking for a problem

There are other long-term pitfalls in this technology that don't involve security. The card companies see this as a potentially huge revenue stream for micropayment style transactions. <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://*******.com/y82akn" target="_newWindow">http://*******.com/y82akn</a>

By making it easier to pay for something, the card companies figure you'll use your card for that dollar meal at McDonalds, or for that $.49 pack of gum. People are trained to use the card more and think less about what they're spending. Then the store owners get hit with 2% to 4% per transaction fee. It's win/win for the card companies. Consumers lose out in the end because the stores have to charge more to make up the card transaction fee.

It started with Debit Cards - this is just the next logical step.

[Emmajohe]

Just another form of payment..

First of all, I want to know where you are finding a pack of gum for 49 cents.
Yes, I agree that credit card companies will profit from contactless card payments, but I don't see this as a 'solution looking for a problem'. In fact, I honestly don't view this form of payment any different from any other credit or debit card when it comes to the issue of credit cards making money. The end user is still responsible for his/her actions. If this form of payment makes the shopping experience easier for the customer, I say why not use it.

[sharipdx]

No swipe cards

Are these regular looking credit cards? How do you know if you have one?