Chances are, if you work in a corporate office or government building, you need some sort of badge to get through doors, or use the elevator. But how secure are those badges?

A team of German scientists recently created a hack that allows them to make a clone of a commonly used magnetic security card that corporate and government workers are often given, meaning the physical security of your company could be in jeopardy.

In fact, researchers stated that hacking could take as little as three hours. The key for more secure cards is a card with the ability to resist being recorded and a multi-faceted authentication process.

With more and more companies turning to NFC- and RFID-based solutions, security needs to be a prime concern. Learn more about integrating secure RFID solutions.

Apple decided not to include NFC technology in its most recent iteration of the iPhone, the iPhone 4S

After much debating as to whether or not the iPhone 5 would be NFC ready, we’ve finally got some answers. Today, Apple held their “Let’s Talk iPhone Keynote Liveblog,” which detailed many specifications of the new mobile device.

For starters, what the media dubbed to be the “iPhone 5” is actually the iPhone 4S. Secondly, contrary to many rumors the new iPhone will not deploy NFC technology, unlike some of its Android counterparts. It’s not surprising that many tech bloggers are surprised by Apples decision to omit NFC technology.

So, what does this mean for NFC mobile payment? While Google Wallet, the NFC-based mobile payment system available on Android, only plans to expand, Apple’s decision to exclude the technology has left many wondering whether or not NFC is really all it’s cracked up to be. Had Apple included it, there would be no question about NFC-based mobile payments. And while NFC could be added to future versions of the iPhone, it brings us back to the question: when will mobile payment really happen?

Does Apple have an alternative, better solution to NFC-based mobile payment? Or is this Android’s chance to finally overtake Apple. And what about NFC possible overtaking QR codes? Share your thoughts on NFC, mobile payment and the iPhone Android debate by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.

Google announced yesterday that its Google Wallet app would be rolled out on all Sprint Nexus S 4G phones.

We’ve been speculating about the adoption of mobile NFC payment, and while no one can be sure as to when it will really catch on, Google made great strides by announcing that Google Wallet will be rolled out on all Sprint Nexus S 4G phones. Eventually, the Google Wallet will be rolled out on other phones, let’s just hope the iPhone 5 is NFC ready!

With Google Wallet, Sprint customers will be able to pay with their Citi MasterCard credit card and the Google Prepaid Card. Visa, Discover and American Express have also made their NFC specifications available for inclusion of future versions of Google Wallet, as a part of Google’s commitment to an open commerce ecosystem.

It may still be a while before people entirely get rid of their traditional wallets, but Google knows of one person who could definitely benefit:

Would you give up your wallet up in place of a Google wallet? Or is privacy too big a concern? Share your thoughts by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.

MobilePayUSA offers a mobile payment solution that doesn’t require NFC

Mobile payment has gotten a lot of buzz lately—whether it be through NFC, QR codes, or both. Now, MobliePayUSA is exploring a Point-Of-Sale (POS) payment system that would not require NFC enabled mobile devices. Their solution to mobile payment would be more secure than existing solutions. Since credit card data would be stored with a trusted 3rd party rather than on the phone itself or merchant’s servers, it would prevent hackers from stealing personal data off of smartphones.

In addition to serving as a mobile payment application, MobilePayUSA will go beyond credit cards and store debit cards, store credits, gift cards and virtual currency. Even coupons and loyalty cards will be made a part of the mobile payment application.

Currently, MobilePayUSA is working with providers to pilot their system at select Flippin’ Pizza and Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt locations in California.

I’m excited to see more non-NFC mobile payments being explored. The time for mobile payment is now, not in a few years when everyone has an NFC enabled phone. Do you think mobile payment systems like MobilePayUSA will catch on, or will the big move toward mobile payment only come with NFC? Share your thoughts by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.

What does Steve Jobs stepping down mean for Apple, smart phones and the tech industry?

Throughout the summer, we’ve discussed the widespread usage of NFC technology being based off of the iPhone 5’s NFC features. While this question is yet to be answered, the resignation of Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs, has investors, techies, mac-elitists and the blogosphere all aflutter. The release of the iPhone 5 has still yet to be given an exact date, and has already been delayed a month. Will Jobs’ resignation further slow the process?

In his resignation letter, Jobs states, “I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.” Assumptions cannot help but look to his declining health due to pancreatic cancer. In his letter, Jobs also states who will replace him: “As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.” But, who exactly is Tim Cook? And can anyone really replace Steve Jobs? In response to this question, Cook himself stated, “No. He’s irreplaceable.”

While the news of Steve Jobs’ resignation has shocked the world, many are left wondering about not only the long-term, but also the short term–how will this affect the launch of the iPhone 5? Some say the launch won’t be changed at all, but seeing as how it’s already been delayed, no one can be too sure. And, when the iPhone 5 is released, will it use NFC technology?

Share your thoughts on the iPhone 5, NFC, Steve Jobs’ resignation and/or Apple’s future by commenting below, or on our Facebook ot twitter pages.

Watch the video below to learn more: