Firm creates new ‘shield’ to protect cards
A FIRM has developed innovative technology to help keep personal data safe.
Plastic card manufacturer Plastic Card Services (PCS) has created a new system to prevent personal and payment data being swiped from contactless cards.
Working with technical solutions provider VoyagerBlue, PCS , based on Tytherington Business Park, developed the ‘shield’ device, which sits in wallets or purses and provides a protective barrier against accidental or unauthorised payments.
Both contactless payment cards and ePassports use ‘contactless’ technology, where a chip enables consumers to wave their card over a reader to pay for goods, and travellers can have their identification data stored and read electronically to cross through border checks. With more than 36 million contactless cards in circulation in the UK and more than 80 countries issuing ePassports, the technology is increasingly common.
However, while these devices can simplify retail transactions and security checks, accidental payments can occur and personal data can also be stolen by fraudsters.
Rob Nicholls, managing director at PCS, said: “As contactless cards become more common, so does the potential for erroneous payments and fraud.
“The shield technology provides an innovative and easy-to-use method of preventing both accidental transactions and data theft for consumers, and is an ideal offering in sectors such as retail and travel, where data and payment protection is an issue.
“As the only patented technology of its type that can be incorporated into card designs, we are confident that it will revolutionise the security of contactless payments.”
After hearing about Transport for London’s issue with Oyster cards – Oyster readers swiped some users’ contactless payment cards instead of tapping out their Oyster card, consequently overcharging customers – VoyagerBlue approached PCS to research and manufacture the new technology.
And the new system has already secured a distribution deal with UK retailer Go Travel, and an international contract with Danish car insurer GF insurer.
The shield technology will now be incorporated into 200,000 of the firms’ customer membership cards.