THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2025 Page 3 BBB Tip: What to know if you’re using NFCs (and you probably are) I f you have a smartphone purchased in the last few years, it almost certainly came with NFC capability. The technology allows users to eff ortlessly transfer money, share fi les and knock out a growing list of other tasks. But that data transfer can create vulnerabilities. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has tips on what NFCs can do and how to stay safe when using them. What exactly is NFC? NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It’s a data transfer that only works within a very short physical range. We’re talking inches, not feet. Some forms of this technology require you to tap one device against another or wave them back and forth in close proximity. NFC capabilities have been around for years, but their use is becoming much more widespread. NFCs are based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, a process that uses radio frequencies to identify objects. NFC is high-frequency RFID that makes it easy for one device to communicate with another. What does it do? NFC uses a series of protocols to make transactions easier and faster. People use them to make contactless payments, share digital content, connect one device with another and a list of other tasks that gets longer every day. How do they work? An NFC relies on proximity, so when users get close to a device they want to interact with, typically, they receive a prompt asking for permission. They follow on-screen prompts from there. It’s convenient because it doesn’t involve downloading an app or signing up to get started. When you activate some NFC technologies, they enable Bluetooth and use that to BBB TIP | SEE Page 8 RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welo welcome the loyal customers of tino Insur nce is p yal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM co
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