Near field Communications: Is it worth it?

David Wynne

Systemanalyse und Programmentwicklung

System Analysis and Program Development

SAP

Founded in 1972 in Germany 5 former IBM employees Created their first financial accounting

system within first year of operation Throughout the years, became leader in the

Information Technology field

Smart Vending Machine

Link to Article

Capabilities of Vending Machine Customers with NFC-enabled phones can

link their credit card info and their social media accounts to the vending machine This provides quick, efficient payment, and

gives company an idea of consumers’ tastes and preferences

Pros/Cons of Smart Vending Machine

Pros ConsEliminates operating costs of employees’ salaries

Possibility of a system glitch

Up-to-date real-time data on inventory/stock

*Security Risks with NFC technology

Customized, efficient purchasing experience for consumer

Security Risks with NFC technology Vending Machine is stationary; an easy

target for hackers Third-Party Eaves-Dropping Data Disruption/Corruption Man-In-The-Middle Attacks

Hackers

Without a secure channel that NFC transactions take place over, hackers can block, disrupt, corrupt, or steal data information being transferred without the two parties knowing

Conclusion

Traditionally paid for with cash If it’s not broke, don’t fix it Why take a security risk for something

so simple?

References

Boden, Rian. "SAP to put NFC in vending machines."NFCworld.com. NFC World, 09 Oct 2013.

Web. 10 Oct 2013. <http://www.nfcworld.com/2013/10/09/326323/sap-put-nfc-vending-machines/>.Poole, Ian. "NFC Security." radio-electronics.com. Radio-Electronics. Web. 10 Nov 2013. <http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/ wireless/nfc/nfc-near-field-communications-security.php>."1972-1981: the early years." global.sap.com. SAP. Web. 9 Nov 2013. <http://global.sap.com/corporate-en/our-company/ history/1972-1981.ep&xgt;."2002-present: real-time data where and when you see

it."global.sap.com. SAP. Web. 9 Nov 2013. <http://global.sap.com/corporate-en/our-

company/history/ 2002-present.ep&xgt;.