You may not have realized this, but it is very likely that one or more of the cards you carry contain a small microchip with a radio antenna that can easily transmit personally identifiable information about you (such as your name, age, address and bank account details) of your cards, even when you are not in front of a credit card terminal. These microchips are found in credit cards, debit cards, and more recently some government-issued IDs such as driver's licenses and passports. The underlying technology is called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).
Several RFID-enabled cards (also commonly known as "contactless" cards) have a symbol made up of four curved lines. According to the Nilson Report, there are currently 35 million RFID credit cards in the hands of consumers in the United States. Visa uses the "payWave" logo to identify its contactless cards, while the MasterCard version is called "PayPass." Variations of Chase Bank and American Express are called "Blink" and "ExpressPay," respectively.
Contactless cards are touted as more durable, easier to use, and more convenient. However, they often overlook the fact that they are susceptible to being scanned without even leaving your wallet behind. The information extracted from your card by an RFID card reader is enough to create an exact copy of your card that can be used to make illicit purchases. This was recently demonstrated by a New York City security research and consulting firm, Recursion Ventures.
Easy and affordable access to RFID scanners
Unfortunately, the equipment required for this type of theft is relatively inexpensive and easily accessible to cyber thieves. RFID card readers can be purchased online for less than $ 100; once connected to a laptop, they can be immediately programmed to store intercepted credit / debit card information. In a public demonstration, a hacker used a card scanner on a Chase debit card and card information, such as the bank account number and expiration date, quickly appeared on his computer screen. Two more cards returned the same type of data.
Even from a distance of up to 30 feet, account data can be extracted from a card, even when it is inside a wallet, purse or pocket. From the data extracted from a credit card, a copy can be created. It's alarming how easy it is to use to make a purchase that can be successfully processed.
RFID card protection
There are a number of RFID protection devices that will make it difficult for someone with a card reader to extract information from your cards, such as a compact RFID credit card case that helps block the transmission of data to scanners. Aluminum, as it will interfere with radio wave transmissions, thus blocking RFID scanning. There are also products in the form of a slim hard case constructed of leather and an RFID blocking material. RFID blocking wallet organizers have RFID shielding technology built into the organizer itself; There is a special layer of protective material, a metallic fabric known as a "Faraday Cage." It is one of the most effective materials used to prevent radio waves from reaching your cards. The most fashion-friendly solutions include 非接触ICカード credit card cases or holders which tend to be lighter, more compact in design and come in a wide selection of colors and different styles.
The Wylins Company of California [http://www.wylins.com] has designed a secure RFID credit card case especially for women. It is small, light and elegant. A trendy find for a few dollars that can save you a lot of headaches. Don't let your accounts be compromised when it's easy to protect them.
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