RFID blocking is a measure typically taken to protect your personal data and belongings from being accessed by third parties. The material used to protect your card, passport or other RFID-enabled device is usually presented in the form of a sleeve and can be made from two different types of materials: leather and fabric.
If you feel like you have to take more and more precautions with sensitive information every year, you’re feeling right. According to the 2017 Data Breach Year-End Review released by the Identity Theft Resource Center, the total number of exposed credit card numbers in 2017 was approximately 14.2 million, a 90 percent increase from 2016.
As a traveler, you may often use one of the best travel credit cards to reap the associated benefits, but the concern of your information being stolen may also be paramount. Such theft does happen, and there’s a good chance you won’t know about it until much later. Therefore, it is understandable that you want to protect yourself at every opportunity.
The main types of RFID Blocking
The RFID blocking system reduces the transmitted signal power of the reader and prevents the microchip in the RFID card from working. This ensures the security of the RFID card. Essentially, the RFID reader emits a signal that powers the microchip in the card, which then powers on and sends data to the reader. This can be prevented by deflecting/blocking the RFID signal, or by emitting a signal that interferes with the reader, but this only works for one frequency, and often a certain type of technology.
What is RFID Technology?
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a short range communication technology uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify people and objects. Developed in the mid-1970s, RFID technology was initially used to improve inventory control of items in manufacturing and logistics environments. Radio frequency identification or RFID is a set of technologies that all use small tags active or passive with radio-frequency transponders to uniquely identify an object.
How Does RFID Blocking Work?
Radio-frequency ID (RFID) blocking is a technique of fending off thieves with cheaply made devices that stops them from stealing your credit card information. RFID is a wireless technology found in many credit cards, driver’s licenses, and passports. It is used by retailers to automatically track merchandise inventory, and criminals can wirelessly steal this information. This article explains how it works.
How Criminals Can Steal Your Credit Card Information
According to USA Today, your RFID credit card constantly sends out its information, and as long as your card is close enough to the reader, the reader will record that information. That’s what makes the transaction happen in a matter of seconds. So, technically, all a thief needs is a scanner that can read the radio signals emitted by the RFID chip in your card. If they had a scanner like that, they could theoretically steal credit card data, and if they were within a short distance, you wouldn’t even know it.
But they would have to be close – usually within four to six inches of the card – unless they had a very strong antenna. At that close of a distance, you might notice, but it really depends on where you are. If you’re strolling through Target, someone walking around within six inches of you would be incredibly noticeable, but if you’re crammed into a crowded train, that distance might be less suspicious. In that case, someone just brushing up against you is enough to make it possible for a criminal to get your information.
While this may make you more alert the next time you’re out and about, seeing someone standing next to you in line or in a crowded area as a potential thief, American Express points out that the signal from the RFID chip only sends out the credit card number and expiration date; not the CVV code or the cardholder’s name. While this is enough for a thief to successfully copy your card while shopping in-store, online purchases often require you to enter a CVV code and expiration date, which is not transmitted via RFID.
In addition, many RFID-enabled credit cards issue a unique serial code that changes each time you use it, according to Visa and Mastercard, so if someone gets your information and is able to copy it, they may only be able to use your information once – if at all.
But we can probably all agree that credit card fraud only needs to happen once to cause damage. If these criminals are stealing information from multiple people, imagine what they could take away.
Do you need RFID protection?
While RFID chips have become the standard for most new debit and credit cards, almost all cardholders need RFID protection. If you are not sure if your current bank card has an RFID chip, check to see if it can be paid at any POS machine that has an RFID radio wave symbol.
RFID blocking shields can block any signal to the RFID card so that no one can access the information without your permission. Remember, it’s not just your money they can steal, it’s your personal information, including full name and address.
What are RFID blocking wallets and how do they work?
RFID-blocking wallets are made of thin, durable metals, such as carbon fiber aluminum. These special materials prevent unwanted radio frequencies from penetrating the card case and activating the RFID tag on your credit card, debit card or ID card. They are compact and lightweight, and can hold multiple cards at once, providing extensive, convenient protection.
