Biometric Banking Card Management
SOLO Card: Enhancing Payment Security
In an era of increasing digital transactions and contactless payments, personal financial security has become a pressing concern. The widespread adoption of contactless payment technology, while convenient, has introduced new risks such as unauthorized scanning of cards through pockets. Despite these growing threats, protective measures like RFID blocking technology remain underutilized and not widely known to the general public.
Problem #1
Many individuals, including myself and those in my social circle, have experienced unauthorized use of banking cards and theft of financial information. While e-wallets offer convenience, they come with their own set of vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks
Problem #2
The widespread adoption of contactless payment technology, while convenient, has introduced new risks such as unauthorized scanning of cards through pockets. Despite these growing threats, protective measures like RFID blocking technology remain underutilized and not widely known to the general public.
The primary objective of the SOLO Card project was to develop a physical card management device that would significantly enhance payment security while maintaining user convenience. The specific goals were
Cyber Security
Create a device immune to cyber attacks, unlike traditional e-wallets
Biometric Security
Implement a dual-layer security system combining biometric authentication with traditional PIN codes to address the vulnerability of contactless payment technology to unauthorized scanning
Conveniences
Design a solution that could manage multiple cards in one secure device
To address the security issues identified and achieve the project goals, I took the following steps:
Research & Planning
Conducted extensive market research on existing biometric payment technologies, including those developed by startups and major companies like Mastercard and Samsung.
Design & Prototyping
Refined the concept to address the limitation of existing biometric cards only storing one card at a time.
Designed a system that would allow for the secure storage and management of multiple cards in a single device.
Development & Implementation
Developed an interactive 3D prototype to visualize the functionality and test the user interface.
Researched necessary electrical components to determine the feasibility of creating a functional prototype.
Testing & Optimization
Conducted user tests and interviews to gather opinions on the product, which indicated intrigue in the concept.
Consulted with professionals in the field, who raised important concerns about physical vulnerabilities, device inconvenience, and potential issues with bank regulations.
I temporarily paused the project due to funding limitations and gaps in technical knowledge, particularly regarding electrical components.
While the SOLO Card project is currently on hold, several key outcomes and learnings were identified
Feasibility
The technology for such a device exists, and the product concept is feasible.
Encryption Research
There is a need for deeper understanding of encryption methods used in successful digital wallets like Apple Pay.
Industry Research
Further research into banking restrictions and regulations is necessary to design a product that meets industry standards and legal requirements.
This project, although paused, provided significant learnings about the intersection of product design, security, and financial technology, setting a foundation for future innovations in secure digital payment solutions.