Undoubtedly – ​​those who use it, know for sure – contactless payments are a fast and convenient way to pay. For some of the country's residents, shopping in this way has become so common that it was even possible to forget that security problems may arise. During the Christmas gift-buying boom, a cybersecurity expert reminds us of the threats and possible ways to protect ourselves.

Contactless payments are a way to pay contactlessly with a payment card, smartphone or watch. Contactless payments use near field communication (NFC) technology, when information between a payment card or mobile phone and a payment terminal is sent by radio signal. It's very simple – in order to make a contactless payment, you just need to touch the card or smart device to the payment reader and the money for the product or service will be instantly scanned.

This payment method is also popular with Lithuanian residents, even the elderly, who were helped to activate NFC by their relatives. While we are happy that from now on paying for goods or services will be even more convenient, we should still protect our money.

When you want to pay quickly, it's important to be careful and use security measures. Poorly secured payment systems can cause serious problems. Speed ​​can sometimes lead to reckless and risky financial decisions. While we all want to make payments quickly, we need to pay attention to where we transfer our financial data and how it is stored.

Compared to other wireless methods, NFC is much more difficult to intercept data, but that doesn't mean that scammers won't still try to scam you. In addition, NFC payments were originally designed to make payments more convenient and faster, but we pay for convenience with security, because during the process we don't have to go through authentication steps, such as entering a PIN code, which is required for a regular chip card. So if you lose your payment card and it falls into the wrong hands, or it is stolen from you, someone else can easily make purchases "from your pocket" 

However, there are ways we can increase the security of contactless payments. Here are five tips to increase the security of contactless payments. 

1. Try RFID

Radio-frequency identification blockers - are small cards or wallets that create a barrier between your payment card and external factors, reducing the potential risks of information being read.

2. Set low payment limits 

You can do this by logging into your bank's online self-service. You can decide for yourself what limit would be convenient for you, but would not cause any major problems if fraudsters managed to make a payment with your card. Also, remember – if you notice that your wallet is missing, immediately block your payment card via the mobile app or contact your bank consultant. If the payment card is found, you can usually unblock it. 

3. Better select NFC payments by phone

Although this payment method also has security gaps, it is still a safer option due to additional authentication requirements. Contactless payment by phone can also be made by connecting to Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc., as such service providers require additional protection, such as a PIN code, fingerprint, face scan, etc. In addition, when using Apple or Google Pay, your account data is not transmitted, and if the device is lost, it is quite easy to disable these services remotely. It is also worth strengthening the security of the device itself - use complex passwords or biometric unlocking methods - fingerprint or face recognition.

4. Avoid paying with smartwatches

If you want to use this feature, at least set a PIN code for unlocking. However, you should be careful not to let anyone steal the watch from your wrist, as a four-digit code may not always be enough protection.

5. Use an additional card when traveling

Tourist areas may be more prone to scammers. When traveling, an internet security expert advises having a separate payment card and topping it up from your regular card as needed.