The online and offline world is filled with criminals looking for an opportunity to take advantage of any weaknesses they can exploit. RFID technology is an example of such a weakness in the security of our personal data. If you have never heard of RFID before, then this article will explain everything you need to know about Radio Frequency Identification and how to mitigate the risks it presents to your personal data.
RFID technology explained
Radio Frequency Identification uses electromagnetic fields to track RFID chips encoded with information. RFID was invented almost 50 years ago and was commercially popularized in the nineties. Since then, RFID has slowly been integrated into a wide variety of applications in both the public and private sectors. A RFID chip consists of a silicone data chip attached to a transmitter. The chips data can be monitored or updated at any time with the use of a RFID scanner.
Where & why is RFID used?
RFID technology has so many applications. The initial application that saw it gain mainstream adoption was in the introduction of pet identity chips during the mid-nineties. The chips were encoded with the pets information and the owner’s details. If the pet was ever lost, and the dog picked up, a kennel or vet would be able to read the chips data and notify the distraught owner. RFID is now used not only for pet ID tags but for use in humans as well. The military has used RFID tags encoded with a soldier’s medical history and information. The chip is then implanted into the soldier and should the soldier suffer injury, the chip will tell medical staff and doctors the patients history, even if they are unable to speak for themselves. RFID technology is used by the commercial sectors to track the movement of goods for logistics companies. The chips have helped logistics companies streamline their business practices, improving efficiencies and enhancing supply chain management. RFID is also used to prove ownership. Fender guitars have always chipped their instruments with their owner’s information. This allows proof of ownership to easily be established in the case of theft or fraudulent activity. Louis Vuitton and other high-end fashion retailers use RFID to prove the authenticity of their goods and stamp out counterfeit products. What about aspects of our daily lives? There are two different uses of RFID that we need to be aware of. The first is in your passport, where a RFID chip is encoded with your biographical information and then embedded in the passport. The second application is in your bank cards, where RFID is used to hold your personal account information and personal details. These last two applications can be a cause for alarm, considering that criminals have become aware of RFID chips and the ease at which their data can be accessed.
The criminal side of RFID technology
The problem with RFID tech is that the data on the chips is not encrypted. Therefore, anyone with a RFID scanner can read the chip information. RFID scanners can be bought online that have the capacity to read the chip data in your passport and bank card. Criminals are then able to stand next to you with their portable, compact, RFID scanner and then read the chip information on your card and passport. The data can be downloaded at a later date and used to commit identity theft, or fraud in your name.
Avoid becoming a victim
Don’t be a victim of identity theft or fraud, while your losses may be insured, the hassle and trauma are incredibly frustrating to have to deal with. Rather take a proactive approach to improving the security of any RFID chips that you carry on your person.
Stay secure with a RFID wallet
That’s where the RFID wallet comes in. A RFID wallet is a safe and effective way to guarantee the safety of the personal information stored on your credit or debit cards and passport. A RFID wallet, such as the models available from Ibricraft.com feature an aluminum strip embedded into the wallets outer skin during manufacture. This strip deflects the radio frequency of any RFID scanner. The wallet still has the look and feel of a genuine leather wallet, however, it has the backup security feature of keeping your RFID chips safe, giving you peace of mind when you are out on the town. Why take the risk with your money? Stay protected and keep your money and your identity safe from any possible criminal activity with a RFID wallet. Why take the chance of having your identity stolen?
