Near-field communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that lets compatible devices exchange data when held very close together, usually within a few centimeters. It enables tap-based actions such as presenting a phone credential to an access-control reader or making a contactless payment.
In physical security, NFC can carry a mobile credential from a phone to a compatible reader, which then checks access through the wider control system. Its short range helps make intentional, close-proximity interactions practical, but does not by itself guarantee security: credential protection, reader configuration, and account controls also matter. Organizations should verify hardware compatibility and test revocation and fallback procedures before deployment.