SPS develops anti-skimming feature for dual interface payment cards

Smart Packaging Solutions (SPS) has introduced a technology to prevent data skimming from dual interface payment cards and reassure hesitant customers of the security of contactless payment adoption.

With the new “Press & Pay” feature, the communication antenna built into the card is detuned while the card is at rest, and only activated in the presence of both the user’s finger and a given target, like a card reader. The patented system does not use biometrics, which SPS says keeps its cost in line with the expectations of issuers. The inductive coupling technology used by SPS allows the antenna to be detuned and retuned with a switch, as the antenna is not physically connected to the micromodule.

SPS notes that built-in security features in the EMV specifications have been demonstrated repeatedly to guard against card skimming, but some users seem to require further assurance.

“In the card industry we all know contactless cards are secure, but with Press & Pay, we bring a solution to card issuers who need to reassure their most fearful customers and prove them their card will only be functional when they are willing to pay,” says SPS Banking Product Manager Jean-Baptiste Leos.

Contactless cards are likely to account for 50 percent of all global shipments in 2018, reaching 1.5 billion units issued, according to the announcement.

Biometric dual interface cards from several manufacturers, are currently undergoing testing, including Feitian Technologies’ cards with IDEX sensors. The inclusion of biometrics has also enabled issuers, including Societe Generale, to remove the caps on contactless transactions.

SPS was recently selected to provide biometric ID cards for five ECOWAS states. The company will present its new technology at Trustech in Cannes on November 28.

Article Topics

biometric payments  |  data protection  |  Smart Packaging Solutions  |  smartcards