Physical card reader data

Physical card reader data refers to the raw or processed information that is captured by a physical card reader device when it interacts with a card (for example, magnetic stripe cards, chip cards, RFID/NFC cards). This data is typically used for authentication or identification purposes and can include details such as the cardholder's account information, unique identifiers, or transaction metadata. 

RFID, NFC, and BLE are the three primary wireless methods organizations use today to keep track of objects and interact with customers.

• Common use cases of RFID are asset tracking, inventory management, even attendee tracking. Data insights from RFID can help improve overall supply chain, order processing, and inventory management.
• NFC is a subset of RFID and is designed to be a more secure form of data exchange, and allows devices to communicate peer-to-peer. NFC is commonly used for contact-less payments, exchanging information between two parties (such as smartphones), and even badge readers that unlock doors. At the same time, organizations are adopting Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless connectivity solutions that can broadcast signals to other devices.
• BLE is used most widely in beacons that are employed, for example, to inform shoppers of new sales in retail stores on their smartphones or to update fans on events that might be occurring during a sporting event. BLE is used to engage customers directly as they move about a specific location, which in turn creates data that can be used to optimize the customer experience.

Physical card reader data is often transmitted to software systems for further processing, such as decrypting, validating, or recording the information for business operations like access control, or membership verification. The data can also be used to detect attempted breaches and be correlated to system and network logs to identify potential insider threats and provide overall situational awareness. 

Examples of physical card reader data include the following:

• Access control: An employee scans their RFID access badge at the entrance of their office building, and the card reader captures information like card ID, timestamp of the access attempt, and location.
• Public transportation: A commuter taps their NFC-enabled transit card at a bus station, and the card reader captures information like the card serial number, the remaining balance, and entry point details.
• Loyalty program: A customer inserts their membership card into a loyalty kiosk at a retail store, and the card reader captures information like the membership ID, customer name, and last transaction details, including points earned.
• Hotel key card: A guest inserts their room key card into the door lock, and the card reader captures information like the room number, the guest ID number, and the timestamp of the access attempt.

Physical card reader data is a subset of physical security data.