Summary
Virtual wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are extremely convenient, but are they safe?
How do they protect your information from people that would attempt to steal it?
Here is what you gotta know.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
How Do Apple Pay and Google Pay Work?
Apple PayandGoogle Payallow you to use your phone to tap-to-pay, much like you would with a credit card.
But how do they work under the hood?
We called it a number, but tokens are actually alphanumeric strings.
This extra layer is there to prevent your real Primary Account Number from being stolen or otherwise abused.
How Secure are Apple Pay and Google Pay?
This ensures that a hacker wont be able to go on a spending spree with your cards.
What Makes Them Vulnerable?
The most common problem is your pin.
Additionally, it is possible that bugs could open up attack avenues for hackers.
These sorts of things are rare, but they do happen.
Apple Pay hada glitch with Express Transit Modethat would have allowed a payment to occur without user authorization.
Luckily, these sorts of issues are usually patched pretty quickly.
Security fixes like that are why it is important to keep your devices up to date.
Are Apple and Google Pay More Secure Than Credit Cards?
However, that is a hassle you’re free to avoid entirely.
This is the default setting in the United States, though other nations vary.
Typically, you cant charge more than about 50 USD anywhere without authenticating.
Youre much more likely to accidentally lose a card than you are to have your phones security bypassed.
