The End of an Era: Magnetic Keycards Phased Out
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, the once ubiquitous magnetic keycard is now facing extinction. Once a staple in hotels and other establishments, the magnetic keycard is being phased out in favor of more advanced contactless cards with RFID chips.
The demise of the magnetic keycard was highlighted by a recent incident involving security researcher Steven Murdoch. During a hotel visit, Murdoch accidentally wiped his room key by placing it too close to his smartphone, which has magnets strong enough to erase the data on magnetic stripes. Upon returning to the reception, he discovered a queue of people facing the same issue.
The magnetic stripe technology, invented in the 1960s, has been used in various applications such as bank cards, rail tickets, and IDs. However, with advancements in technology, the magnetic stripe is becoming obsolete. For instance, Mastercard no longer requires banks to include magnetic stripes on debit and credit cards.
Companies like Nagels, which prints billions of tickets annually, are transitioning away from magnetic stripes. They are now exploring alternatives such as thermally printed paper tickets with QR codes for validation. Train operators like Northern are also considering phasing out magstripe tickets in the near future.
While some may argue for the convenience of magstripe cards, experts believe that the technology is outdated and less secure compared to newer alternatives. Despite its long-standing presence, the market for magnetic stripes is dwindling as newer, more secure technologies emerge.
As we bid farewell to the magnetic keycard, it marks the end of an era in the world of technology and security. While the transition may pose challenges, it also opens up opportunities for innovation and enhanced security measures in the future.
