Hacker-Proof Credit Card Technology
MIAMI (CBSMiami) — Whether it's Target, Neiman Marcus or Michael's, customers whose credit card or debit card information was stolen by hackers feel violated and are left watching their accounts like a hawk.
So, the idea of a more secure system is understandably appealing. Dynamics Inc. Founder and CEO Jeff Mullen, a prolific inventor, thinks he has the answer.
"We put electronics into cards to perform different functions," said Mullen.
He's not kidding. Every card is a micro-mini computer.
"The entire card is an electronic device and consumers can press different buttons on the card and it actually rewrites the card's programmable stripe," said Mullen.
Mullen's bevy of techno gurus at Dynamics Inc. are so far "out there" for competitive reasons cameras aren't allowed past the lobby.
They have come up with multiple account cards that switch with the push of a button, and the ultimate security-minded "hidden card."
"It requires a consumer to put a code into the card in order to use it, so all their transactions are secure," said Mullen.
But it doesn't stop there.
"If you enter the right code, then you're number displays visually on the display on the front of the screen, so you can use it for your online and you're over the phone purchase," said Mullen. "And it writes the stripe magnetically, so you can use it in a store."
A touch of a button reveals the security code needed for online or telephone purchases.
"After a period of time, the display erases and the strip erases. So, if you lose the card or it's stolen, it's irrelevant. It's a dead piece of plastic," Mullen added.
If your local retailer gets hacked, for example at Target, and your card number cyber flies to the black market on the other side of the world, Mullen said it could not be used again because the actual code changes with each purchase.
The popularity of their selectable rewards card has spread but not to the U.S.
"I don't know why we don't consider that option in our country," said Cynthia Parry.
Negotiations with banks and providers to launch the cards are ongoing but Mullen is confident the hidden card will join the success of its ePlate card, which allows you to designate two rewards providers per card.
Dynamics Inc. is hoping to provide that security soon.
