Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a type of technology that makes use of electromagnetic fields in order to classify and track tags associated with your card Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a type of technology that makes use of electromagnetic fields in order to classify and track tags associated with different objects
RFID tags address data information towards the RFID interrogator. The tags include a circuit and an antenna to transmit that info. Once that is received, the interrogator will convert the radio waves into a different form of data that can be more easily used.
Why RFID reader theft is a real danger?
Numerous security specialists have revealed that a criminal using an RFID reader can easily steal personal information from your card They can do so just by walking near you. Judging by what we currently know and the numerous complaints that have been detailed in the online medium, we can conclude that this represents a real danger.
These types of fraud are known as RFID skimmingThe RFID-blocking wallets are specifically designed to protect you from them. When an RFID is activated, these chips can send information that resembles making a purchase without you having actually used your card. The blocker eliminates the possibility of this happening.
These blocking systems prevent the RFID microchip card from functioning by reducing the signal power of the reader. RFID reader ,normally, reader will transmit a signal which will power the microchip in the card. In turn, the microchip powers up and sends the information back to the reader. However, this process can be truncated by deflecting, blocking the RFID signals, or sending a different signal that interferes with the reader.
Essentially, RFID blocking technology can be viewed as a wallet that averts the danger of a reader accidentally, or through a malicious attempt, picking up the information contained by the cards you hold in your physical wallet. While it is true that improvisations are possible, such as taping aluminum foil around the cards or using duct tape, this is not recommended. Not only are those visually unappealing, but they also do not offer the full protection of an RFID blocker.
Ways of testing a blocker’s effectiveness
In the online medium, some have also advocated the use of a cell phone cover for blocking purposes. It is true that cell phones also make use of RF radiation. However, the fabric used in these types of covers typically only blocks certain frequencies and is rarely very well developed for these purposes.
The most simple way in which you can test whether the RFID blocking system is effective is to verify this by using a pay point that allows you to scan your card rather than swipe it. You can simply ask for permission to scan the wallet that contains the card. The blocking system should prevent this thereby offering confirmation of the effectiveness of the system.
What are the RFID tags?
Radio frequencies are used for a variety of items used by most people on a daily basis. These include ID cards, passports, payment cards, key cards, etc. The Radio Frequencies Identification system is also known as RFID. It’s a system that makes use of radio waves to read and broadcast information stored in the digital tags associated with an object.
These radio frequency identification tags can be read wirelessly from a distance. Furthermore, these ID tags have become smaller, easier to produce and their use is widely spread. The development of this technology may come with some risks.
The items we mentioned before (security card, passport card) all contain a microchip that is connected to an antenna. They use different types of radio frequencies. The bank cards, for example, are set to frequencies of 13.56 Mhz. Product tags, generally, use 125 kHz and 13.56 Mhz
Initially, RFID systems were created with the goal of them working from the proximity of a few inches. However, as technology has continued to evolve and become cheaper to produce, a powerful reader is now able to read information from many meters away. In short, contactless cards are not secure. RFID blocking systems add a vital layer of security.
What are passive and blocking RFID cards?
Generally, RFID blocking cards can be classified as either active or passive. The passive shields and protectors are able to absorb the RFID signal we talked about or to deflect it all together. On the other hand, the active RFID shield uses a microchip that helps by sending out an interfering signal, or by draining out the power from transmitting the signal since if the chip does not receive enough power, it will not be able to send back a reply.
The passive shield themselves can be split into two separate categories. The reflective loss systems work by dispersing radiofrequency energy. On the other hand The absorption loss ones s the name implies, consumes the signal’s power into the shield. Both systems are effective, reducing the transmitting RF signal that would be used to power the RFID chip.
The technology involved in both cases works in a different way and involves different degrees of complexity. The matter of deflecting or absorbing these types of systems for contactless banking cards at a 13.56 MHz is much easier to achieve than blocking, for example, the security cards that function at 125 kHz as it needs near field shielding in order to maintain the security of the RFID chip.
Wallet Shield offered through BitcoinTech is an RFID/NFC Blocker that includes the best aspects of the technology as previously outlined here. The wallet shield allows card users to protect their sensitive data through the use of radio waves.
The Wallet Shield can protect one or multiple cards from skimming fraud. All common types of cards can benefit from this layer of protection.
he card is designed according to ISO standards it to slide easily into any wallet, and its technical specifications make it a questionless method to ensure that you are protected from card-related fraud. The Wallet Shield can protect one or multiple cards from skimming fraud. All common types of cards can benefit from this layer of protection.