RFID technology, or radio frequency identification, has been around for a long time. Along with the convenience, however, comes the risk of having the information contained on RFID-equipped items being stolen in a new brand of electronic pickpocketing known as RFID skimming.
The technology has made its way into a variety of items, including credit cards, driver’s licenses and passports. These items, which are mostly found in the wallets of people, use embedded RFID chips to transmit information wirelessly to compatible readers to perform functions such as confirming the person’s identity or paying for a purchase.
RFID uses radio waves to read information stored on tags attached to certain objects, and can be scanned from several feet away, without the need for a direct line-of-sight to the reader.
The Threat Of RFID Skimming
Individuals who have RFID readers can possibly activate the RFID chips embedded in personal items, which would allow them to extract sensitive information without the owner of the items even knowing that they were victimized.
Over the years, hackers have demonstrated methods of using handheld RFID readers to acquire information from several feet away. Information that can be extracted this way include the name and country of origin listed in a passport, and more alarmingly, complete credit card numbers.
The Need For RFID Blocking Cards
One of the more popular ways for consumers to protect themselves from RFID skimming is through the use of RFID blocking cards, which has spurred a whole new industry. For consumers who are worried by RFID skimming, but do not want to replace their wallet for any reason, rfid blocking cards is the best choice.
This new kind of blocking card protects consumers from RFID skimming by creating a shield around their RFID-equipped items. This shield repels the electromagnetic energy sent out by RFID readers that the items need to be able to send out the information they contain.
From:http://www.techtimes.com/
