H Security reports that Kobil’s smart card readers have been hacked with a Windows tool and unsigned firmware, granting thieves access to PINs and other secure data. The Kobil readers in question have been tested by the German Federal Office for Information Security and certified as compliant with the rigorous German Signature Law (SigG). A […]

AIRTAG has announced the launch of its “NFC Portal Application” in Nice, France. The application, deployed by NRJ mobile through its contactless CITYZI system, enables Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to offer a user friendly NFC portal where it is possible to add, remove and manage what AIRTAG calls “Services Widgets.” Once embedded in the phone, […]

CPI Card Group and INSIDE Contactless have introduced a next-generation tag that enables mobile devices to make MasterCard PayPass and Discover Zip contactless payments. The stickers, which are manufactured by CPI and based on INSIDE’s MicroPass 4003 contactless payment processor, contain all the functionality of traditional MasterCard PayPass and Discover Zip credit, debit or prepaid […]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey has selected Gemalto to provide its Coesys issuance solution for the personalization of new electronic passports for Turkish citizens. Gemalto’s Coesys solution combines software, hardware and integration services designed to enable governments to personalize secure documents like e-passport, health care or ID cards. Gemalto deployed […]

HID Global has released a new USB reader that combines flash memory with contactless smart card technology. The OMNIKEY 6221 features a removable MicroSD flash memory slot and reader for SIM-sized contactless smart cards. The 3.7 inch x 1.02 inch device supports up to 32GB of flexible memory and uses encryption and digital signatures in […]

STMicroelectronics, NXP, Trusted Logic and Stollmann have announced that they will promote a common hardware-independent API (Application Programming Interface) for NFC applications on Android mobile devices. The NFC API will enable developers to create NFC applications to be distributed through app stores, granting Android users access to a range of contactless applications, including mobile payments, […]

Atmel Corporation today announced that FIME, an independent third party laboratory, has certified the Atmel AT90SC28880RCFV secure microcontroller (MCU) as compliant with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Radio Frequency Specifications and ISO 14443 RF. Additionally, a FIME laboratory banking test shows that the device has up to 100 percent interoperability with a list of 32 […]

New York’s MTA is now piloting a new payment system that will enable passengers to use MasterCard PayPass contactless credit and debit cards to pay on certain bus and subway lines, according to WNYC. To pay, riders must simply tap their cards against specially designed fare boxes on bus or subway turnstiles. Riders can either […]

The Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL are introducing a smart card that lets fans pay contactlessly for concessions and merchandise at Commonwealth Stadium, according to The Edmonton Journal. The Eskimos’ owners expect the new system will speed up lines at concessions, allowing customers to catch more of the game. Fans will be able to purchase […]

Vancouver has selected three companies to submit proposals for the city’s multi-million dollar smart card-based fare system, according to The Province. The new system, slated for service in 2013, will be in the hands of either Thales/ Octopus International Projects, who created Hong Kong’s smart card system; Serco/Parkeon, who operates Perth, Australia’s similar program; or […]