Background & Overview Counterfeit (“magic”) MIFARE Classic chips—especially those produced in China—do exist. These chips can imitate the structure and functionality of genuine NXP MIFARE Classic 1K (S50) chips, and are sometimes challenging to distinguish in the field . Key Differences Between Genuine and Counterfeit Chips Feature Genuine NXP MIFARE Classic 1K Counterfeit “Magic” MIFARE Chip Block 0 (UID) Fixed, cannot be overwritten Often modifiable—especially in Gen2 variants Security Layer (Crypto-1) Implemented but vulnerable Typically weaker and easier to bypass Detectability Trusted by readers and backend systems Some advanced readers detect via backdoor wake-up commands (more common in Asia) Legal Status Fully licensed and protected by IP rights Unauthorized infringement; NXP actively pursues enforcement actions Are High-Quality Counterfeits Present in China? Yes , counterfeit or “magic” MIFARE Classic chips are known to exist in China and are someti...
If your organization uses plastic membership cards , you may be missing a golden opportunity to increase their perceived value—and increase your customer’s loyalty to your brand in the process. So what benefits could you add to your plastic cards? I think AAA is a great example of a company that realized the membership card becomes more valuable when adding other benefits to the card. Instead of just being a card you show to the tow truck driver when you need roadside assistance, they began to add value to the membership card with the AAA Show Your Card & Save® program. The discount program gives you additional reasons to maintain your membership and keep the card in your wallet. Here are five ideas on how to add to the perceived value of your organization’s membership card. MEMBERS FIRST Allowing members to gain access to products or services before non-members adds a level of exclusivity to membership. Let’s say you’re a zoo that is opening a new exhibit. Consi...