How To Stay Safe From 'Ghost Tapping' Cyber Attacks

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Tap-to-pay technology has revolutionized how we shop, but this convenience has opened the door to a shocking new threat called"Ghost Tapping". This cyberattack allows criminals to steal money from your digital wallet or tap-enabled card without you realizing a transaction has occurred. As these scams become more prevalent, it's crucial to understand how ghost tapping works and, more importantly, what simple, proactive steps you can take to keep your financial life secure from this invisible threat. Here's what you need to know:

How can someone steal from you without touching you? The answer lies in NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. This technology powers your tap-to-pay cards and phones. Criminals can secretly use a portable reader to steal small, easy-to-miss amounts of money as they walk past you in a crowded market or 'accidentally' bump into you. When they press this device close to your wallet, purse, or pocket in a crowd, the reader mimics a legitimate payment terminal, initiating a transaction that is usually for a small, easily overlooked amount. Because many bank apps don't notify you of minor purchases, these funds can disappear unnoticed until you check your monthly statement. The good news about ghost tapping is scammera don't get the data needed to clone your card or make online purchases. They simply trick your card into paying for a transaction they control.

How can you stay safe from these attacks?

The idea that a thief could siphon funds from your pocket in a crowded space is alarming, but there is no need to panic. Staying safe from ghost tapping isn't about giving up the convenience of tap-to-pay; it's about being proactive. You can virtually eliminate your risk and keep your cards and mobile wallet completely secure by using the following tips:

• Be Wary of Physical Contact. Be highly alert in crowded areas. Be suspicious if someone "accidentally" bumps into you while holding a bag or a handheld device near your pocket.

• Add transaction alerts for your debit and credit cards. Most banks and card apps let you turn on notifications for every charge. If something sketchy goes through, you’ll know right away.

• Purchase and use an RFID-blocking wallet or card sleeve. These physically block anyone from scanning your card when you’re not using it.

• Turn off tap-to-pay if you don’t use it. In most banking app settings, you can turn off contactless features or set a low limit.

• The Mobile Wallet Advantage. Prioritize using a mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) over a physical card.

• Require Biometrics for Mobile Payments.  Double-check that your phone's digital wallet settings are configured to require your face, fingerprint, or PIN for authorization.

  
  

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About Burton Kelso. Burton Kelso is an internationally recognized 2x TEDx Technology Keynote Speaker and Consumer/Small Business Tech Expert dedicated to making the complexities of the digital world accessible and secure. With over 30 years of experience in the trenches of cybersecurity, digital marketing, and AI ethics, Burton has become a trusted voice for organizations seeking to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape. As a high-energy corporate trainer and event speaker, Burton specializes in translating "geek speak" into actionable strategies for leadership teams, small business owners, and everyday consumers. He is a frequent media contributor, providing expert commentary on national and global news outlets regarding AI safety, digital wellness, and cyber-threat mitigation.

Whether he is delivering a virtual workshop or a mainstage keynote, Burton’s mission is to empower audiences to use technology as a tool for growth—not a source of stress.

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