Dynamic NFC Security Mode Switching for Fraud Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data transfer systems often incorrectly reject legitimate transactions due to false fraudulent assessments, while failing to identify fraudulent transactions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method allowing users to dynamically adjust security settings on a mobile device by tapping a control instrument, switching between high and normal security modes to prevent false rejections and unauthorized transactions, using NFC to communicate with the data transfer system and alter security settings accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high security settings are applied to data transfers, then fraudulent transfers are blocked, but legitimate transfers are incorrectly rejected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraud preventionVSAvoidtransaction throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The security mode is made dynamic and adjustable by the user. The system transitions from a static high-security mode to a dynamic mode where users can switch between normal and high security settings based on their immediate needs, allowing legitimate transactions to proceed smoothly while maintaining the option to block fraudulent ones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The security parameter is made changeable by the user in real-time. Users can alter the security mode (normal or high) depending on whether they are initiating a transfer or suspecting fraud, allowing the system to adapt security levels to match the operational context

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If security settings are lowered to allow legitimate transfers, then transaction throughput increases, but unauthorized transfers are processed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction throughputVSAvoidfraud prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The user themselves controls the security settings rather than the system imposing a fixed security level. The user can independently switch between normal and high security modes based on their own assessment of risk, making them responsible for both transaction convenience and security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If static high security mode is used, then unauthorized transfers are blocked, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The security mode is made dynamic and adjustable by the user. The system transitions from a static high-security mode to a dynamic mode where users can switch between normal and high security settings based on their immediate needs, allowing legitimate transactions to proceed smoothly while maintaining the option to block fraudulent ones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The user themselves controls the security settings rather than the system imposing a fixed security level. The user can independently switch between normal and high security modes based on their own assessment of risk, making them responsible for both transaction convenience and security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces false declines of legitimate transactions and enhances security by allowing users to temporarily lower security settings for legitimate transfers while maintaining high security when not in use, thereby preventing unauthorized data transfers.

Implementation Method 1

detecting, using the NFC reader of the mobile device, the presence of the control instrument in the vicinity of the mobile device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNFC (Near Field Communication): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3531358B1Reducing fraudulent data transfers
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 MASTERCARD INT INC
  • EP3531358B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3531358B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method to be performed in a mobile device is provided for altering security settings in relation to a data transfer. A near field communication, NFC, reader of the mobile device is used to detect the presence of a payment instrument in the vicinity of the mobile device. The payment instrument comprises a NFC readable element having identifying data thereon. On detecting the presence of the payment instrument, a first digital message is provided to a server of a data transfer system. The digital message instructs the data transfer system to alter security settings relating to a data transfer associated with the identifying data from a first security mode to a second security mode.