Enhance Counterfeit Protection with Authentication NFC Tags
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Fundamental Difference Between Standard NFC Chips and Authentication NFC Chips
- How Authentication NFC Tags Work
- Increased Level of Counterfeit Protection
- Evolution of NFC Authentication Tags
- Working of Authentication Chips
- Three Main Ways to Use Authentication NFC Tags
- Why Use Authentication NFC Tags?
- The Future of NFC Authentication Tags
- Conclusion
Introduction
NFC (Near Field Communication) technology has become increasingly popular, with various applications in our daily lives. In this tutorial, we will explore authentication NFC tags and how they offer increased security against counterfeiting. We will delve into the fundamental difference between standard NFC chips and authentication NFC chips and understand how these authentication tags work. Moreover, we will discuss the three main ways to use authentication NFC tags and highlight the importance of their usage in various industries. Let's get started!
Fundamental Difference Between Standard NFC Chips and Authentication NFC Chips
Standard NFC chips, like NXP's NTAG213, are capable of storing data such as URL links in the user memory. While these chips can be used to identify products or items, there is no prevention against the duplication of data onto another tag, resulting in numerous counterfeit products. The data stored on standard NFC chips, including QR codes, remains static and unchangeable, leading to significant security concerns. On the other hand, authentication NFC chips, such as NXP's NTAG 426, 223, 224, or 424, and the EM-linq chip, work differently by generating a unique dynamic code on each scan. This dynamic code ensures that any data copied onto another tag becomes outdated and ineffective, offering a substantially increased level of counterfeit protection.
How Authentication NFC Tags Work
Standard NFC Chips
Standard NFC chips, represented by NXP's NTAG213, have been widely used for many years in transport and ticketing systems. Initially, these chips encrypted information within the chip, requiring special code apps or readers to access the data. While they served their purpose, the new generation of authentication chips revolutionizes the way authentication data is incorporated into the URL link presented on a tag scan.
Authentication Chips
Authentication NFC tags use encryption and unique keys to ensure secure and authentic scanning. During encoding, not only is a URL link encoded, but also a unique key, hidden within the chip's memory and inaccessible to external entities. When these tags are scanned, an encryption algorithm combines the scan count, chip data, or ID with the unique key to generate an authentication code. This code is then dynamically substituted into the URL link, resulting in the display of the URL with the embedded authentication code. It is important to note that the key itself is never displayed, only the result of the algorithm that utilizes the key. The combination of the tag's ID, scan count, and authentication code can be verified on a destination server, which stores a copy of the key and performs the same process of generating the authentication code. With each scan, the authentication code changes as the scan count increases, improving security.
Increased Level of Counterfeit Protection
Authentication NFC tags offer a significantly higher level of counterfeit protection compared to standard NFC chips. With the ability to generate unique authentication codes on each scan, the replication of data onto another tag becomes futile. Counterfeiters are unable to replicate the real-time dynamic codes, rendering their counterfeit tags ineffective and easily distinguishable from authentic ones. This heightened level of protection plays a crucial role in various industries, including luxury clothing, pharmaceuticals, automotive replacement parts, computers, and even food and drink.
Evolution of NFC Authentication Tags
NFC authentication tags have been in existence for a long time but have evolved in terms of accessibility and functionality. Previously, chips encrypted information that required special apps or readers to access the data. With the new generation of chips, authentication data, including encryption codes, is substituted within the URL link itself, eliminating the need for additional software or apps. This innovation has made authentication NFC tags more user-friendly and widely accessible.
Working of Authentication Chips
Encryption and Unique Key
When encoding authentication chips, a unique key is stored within the chip. Alongside the URL link, this key serves as a crucial component of the authentication process. The key remains hidden within the chip's memory, safeguarded from tampering or unauthorized access.
Authentication Code
The authentication code is generated by an encryption algorithm that combines the scan count, chip's data, or ID with the unique key. This produces a unique authentication code for each scan. When the chip presents the URL on scan, it dynamically substitutes the authentication code into the URL link. The combination of the tag's ID, scan count, and authentication code ensures the authenticity and integrity of the scanned tag.
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Three Main Ways to Use Authentication NFC Tags
Authentication NFC tags can be utilized in three main ways: API system, redirect system, and direct response system. Each system offers distinct advantages and can be tailored to specific use cases.
API System
In the API system, two servers are typically involved. The NFC tag links to the brand's server, which connects behind the scenes to an authentication server. This authentication server checks the authentication code and responds with a pass or fail message. The brand server then communicates the status of the tag to the user, enabling seamless authentication and verification.
Redirect System
In the redirect system, the NFC tags are linked to a tag management system and a brand server. When a user scans the authentication NFC tag, they are directed to the tag management system. The tag management system extracts the tag ID, scan count, and authentication codes and checks their validity. Based on the authentication result, the user is redirected to different pages on the brand server. This ensures a smooth user experience while simultaneously validating the authenticity of the scanned tag.
Direct Response System
In the direct response system, only one server is typically involved. When a user scans the NFC tag, they are connected either directly to the brand server or a management server. This server extracts the authentication codes, handles the authentication process, and responds directly to the user. The response may include detailed product information or a simple pass or fail screen, depending on the specific implementation.
Why Use Authentication NFC Tags?
The use of authentication NFC tags offers various benefits in combating counterfeiting and enhancing brand protection. With the counterfeit market expected to reach a value of three trillion dollars in 2022, leveraging authentication NFC tags can have a significant impact on mitigating counterfeit products. Products from luxury clothing and pharmaceuticals to replacement parts and food and drink can be protected using authentication NFC tags. By ensuring the authenticity and integrity of products, brands can safeguard their reputation and consumers can make informed purchasing decisions. Furthermore, as the digital world continues to integrate with the physical realm and the emergence of the metaverse becomes more prominent, authentication NFC tags bridge the gap between physical and digital assets, providing a secure foundation for future innovations.
The Future of NFC Authentication Tags
The future of NFC authentication tags is promising, thanks to ongoing advancements in technology and increasing market demand. As the need for secure and authentic products continues to rise, NFC authentication tags will play a crucial role in various industries. The integration of NFC tags with blockchain technology opens up new possibilities for securing both physical and digital assets, creating a seamless connection between the two worlds. With the growing popularity of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and the increasing importance of product authenticity, the usage of authentication NFC tags is expected to expand further.
Conclusion
Authentication NFC tags provide a robust solution to counterfeiting and brand protection. The fundamental difference between standard NFC chips and authentication NFC chips lies in the dynamic generation of authentication codes. By storing unique keys within the chip and utilizing encryption algorithms, authentication NFC tags ensure the authenticity and integrity of scanned tags. With three main ways to use authentication NFC tags, brands have the flexibility to choose the most suitable system based on their requirements. The increased level of counterfeit protection offered by authentication NFC tags has significant implications for various industries, from luxury goods to essential products. As the digital world converges with the physical realm and the metaverse becomes a reality, authentication NFC tags will continue to evolve and play a crucial role in securing our digital and physical interactions.
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