The NFC systems considered in the publication "NFC systems used in practise" [ NFC Systeme im Praxiseinsatz] include contactless smart cards and the associated readers. The technology is used in many areas of everyday life, for example in:

• electronic payment systems (as a supplement to or replacement for traditional contact and magnetic stripe-based systems)
• electronic ID cards (identity cards, residence permits) and passports
• season tickets and rechargeable tickets for public transport
• access control systems (RFID in general)

Smartphones with NFC interfaces are playing an increasingly important role in these areas of application. They can be used in card mode as a replacement or supplement for physical cards, but also in reader mode instead of traditional card terminals.

The publication deals with basic security aspects of NFC systems. After all, their greatest advantage is that cards and readers communicate with each other without the need for physical contact. At the same time, however, this also has the potential to be a dangerous disadvantage. Since NFC is a radio technology, it is possible to eavesdrop on the communication of the devices involved and this is usually unnoticed by the communication partners.
Therefore, the focus of the publication is on the effectiveness of mechanisms and technologies with which contactless communication can be specifically blocked. Ideally, attacks are prevented, but the basic functionality of NFC systems is not affected.

In various experiments, the effect on communication between readers and cards changes when several cards are used simultaneously was tested. In addition, the effectiveness of shielding measures such as protective covers or scrambler cards was investigated.
The publication presents a summary of the results obtained and gives general practical recommendations.