Samsung Galaxy S6 Let's Talk - Dual Wireless Charging

[jcp007]

Re: Let's Talk - Dual Wireless Charging

I'm not personally worried about the data that they are pulling since it seems to be just a UID to your device. I already use a Starbucks account to buy coffee so they can track which Starbucks I visit and what I order. I am interested in what the data transfer capabilities are though, meaning how much and what sort of data can be pulled. If it is more than just a UID, then I would be more worried about attackers that would start placing these charging pads around to steal user data. For example, they could drop them around airports to steal data. I think more details will come out as the technology expands. This reminds me of the news that came from wall chargers being able to steal data.

UID user interface data? Is this information related to purchase habits or are they getting data that could be used for identity theft which could be perpetrated by others nearby?

Posted via My Samsung Galaxy S4 Handheld Device

 

[jcp007]

Re: Let's Talk - Dual Wireless Charging

Will encrypting the device cover off securing against both wireless charging so that data can't be skimmed off as well as fingerprint encryption?

 

[unashamedgeek]

Re: Let's Talk - Dual Wireless Charging

UID user interface data? Is this information related to purchase habits or are they getting data that could be used for identity theft which could be perpetrated by others nearby?

Posted via My Samsung Galaxy S4 Handheld Device

I apologize, I meant UID to mean unique identifier. This is my take from what I read. When I lay my phone down on one of those pads, it can access information such as a unique identifier that is only for my phone. They claim they are using that information to know how many charging pads are in use and how often individuals use the charging pad. This would allow them to know that 5 days a week my specific phone uses a charging pad or what Starbucks my phone visits.

Now if I put on my conspiracy hat, it wouldn't be hard for them to associate my phone with me, even if all they can pull is an identifier from my phone. If you use the Starbucks app or credit card, correlations could be drawn to tie your phone to your name. And if it is found out that the wireless pad can pull a lot more information, then obviously more bad things could happen, but that isn't a known thing currently.

For your encryption question, I doubt encryption would protect your identifier from being shared with the wireless pad. If it is found out that the pad could pull more data, encryption could help, but are a number of things that would have to be looked at and tested before anyone could be sure.

 

[jcp007]

Re: Let's Talk - Dual Wireless Charging

I apologize, I meant UID to mean unique identifier. This is my take from what I read. When I lay my phone down on one of those pads, it can access information such as a unique identifier that is only for my phone. They claim they are using that information to know how many charging pads are in use and how often individuals use the charging pad. This would allow them to know that 5 days a week my specific phone uses a charging pad or what Starbucks my phone visits.

Now if I put on my conspiracy hat, it wouldn't be hard for them to associate my phone with me, even if all they can pull is an identifier from my phone. If you use the Starbucks app or credit card, correlations could be drawn to tie your phone to your name. And if it is found out that the wireless pad can pull a lot more information, then obviously more bad things could happen, but that isn't a known thing currently.

For your encryption question, I doubt encryption would protect your identifier from being shared with the wireless pad. If it is found out that the pad could pull more data, encryption could help, but are a number of things that would have to be looked at and tested before anyone could be sure.

Ok. Thanks. Still a little uncomfortable with information about me being accessed without my knowledge but I guess that's the age we live in.

 

[jcp007]

Re: Let's Talk - Dual Wireless Charging

Wireless charging, in plain English | Android Central

Thanks, Jerry!