Imagine being able to pass through airport security with just a single tap, or government authorities being able to verify a citizen’s identity instantly without putting huge amounts of data. Currently, NFC (Near-Field Communication) verification allows organizations and authorities to authenticate a person’s identity quickly and securely. The application of NFC technology starts transforming how we verify identity documents and personal identification in both physical and in face-to-face interactions.
This article will dive deeper into what NFC verification is?, explore its practical applications and explain why the near-field communication technology has been increasingly common in modern identity authentication systems.
What is NFC (Near-Field Communication) Verification?
NFC verification, or near-field communication verification, is the use of magnetic induction to connect devices when they are directly or closely accessed. The NFC verification technology helps ensure data transfer and transactions faster and more convenient than ever. NFC typically works within a range of about 4–10 cm. It uses radio waves at a frequency of 13.56 MHz to transmit data at low speeds, up to about 424 Kbps. Each NFC-enabled device has a unique identifier for data transmission in both active and passive modes. Compared to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, NFC verification has a shorter range but offers greater ease of use and stronger security.
In essence, NFC verification is a secure way to transmit information between an NFC-enabled device such as a smartphone, a dedicated reader, or a mobile identity verification terminal, along with an NFC chip embedded in an official digital identity document. Such documents may include an electronic passport (ePassport), a national electronic ID card (e-ID), or an electronic driver’s license.
So, what sets NFC verification apart from other technologies and why is it being the preferred method for secure identity authentication?
Origins and Development of NFC Technology
NFC technology evolved from RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, which was first developed in the 1980s for inventory management purposes. In 2002, NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips Semiconductor) and Sony created NFC technology, which has been considered as an important tool for digital interactions that combine radio wave communication with efficient short-range data extraction.
The adoption of NFC for identity verification began in the early 2000s, when electronic identity documents such as ePassport were introduced. RFID chip technology enables to store identity documents as biometric data and other personal information. However, NFC verification helps store the identity documents in higher level of security and convenience by exchanging encrypted data and securing the identity checks within a single tap or by holding an NFC-powered ID document close to a reader.
NFC vs. RFID: Key Differences
Although NFC and RFID may appear similar, there are several clear distinctions that make NFC more suitable for identity verification:
- Communication range: NFC works over a very short range (less than 10 cm), whereas RFID can communicate over much greater distances, sometimes up to several meters. NFC’s close range adds an extra layer of security in identity verification by minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.
- Frequency: NFC operates at 13.56 MHz, striking a balance between data security and transmission speed. RFID, by contrast, operates across a broader range of frequencies, such as 125 kHz, 134.2 kHz, and 860–960 MHz.
- Interactivity: NFC supports two-way communication, meaning both devices can send and receive information. RFID communication is typically one-way, with the RFID reader retrieving data from a passive tag.
- Applications: RFID is widely used for inventory tracking and management thanks to its longer range, while NFC is preferred for secure short-range applications like contactless payments, mobile e-tickets, and identity verification.
Standards and Regulations for NFC Technology
The use of NFC technology follows a set of global standards to ensure that devices and documents can operate seamlessly within the system. These standards play a critical role in maintaining the integrity and interoperability of identity verification processes worldwide:
- ISO/IEC 14443: Defines the protocols for proximity cards contactless smart cards that can communicate with a reader via NFC. This standard is widely used in ePassports and other secure identity documents.
- ISO/IEC 18092: Specifies communication modes and protocols for NFC devices, ensuring they can interact smoothly with other NFC-compatible devices and systems.
- ICAO Doc 9303: Issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), this document sets the standards for machine-readable travel documents (MRTDs), including ePassports. It provides guidelines for using NFC and other technologies to enhance the security and functionality of these documents.