Technological advancements in today’s world have made it possible and very easy to complete many actions and activities. More so, technological advancements in the wrong hands also make it somewhat difficult and uncomfortable to perform some actions, especially regarding our privacy and finances.
RFID was invented to make transactions easier, faster, and more secure, even though it is no longer as secure as it used to be. You can’t always tell the approach hackers, and skimmers will discover and utilize to breach your privacy and gain access to your personal data. However, you can avoid falling victim to RFID theft. You must be vigilant in crowded places and, most importantly, protect yourself by RFID Blocking technology.
RFID technologies like RFID wallets, purses, and bags are more or less a forcefield that blocks out unwanted radio frequencies, prevents RFID theft, and protects your data and identity. I know this might sound new or confusing to some, but after reading this article, you will appreciate the importance of RFID technology and how it works to keep your identity and personal data safe from hackers. Before I begin, I want to ensure you understand what RFID is.
What is RFID?
RFID is an acronym for Radio Frequency Identification. Over the years, with several upgrades and advancements to technological developments, we have had a series of ways to protect and keep our data and personal information safe from online theft. RFID protection is one of these technological developments created to bring security and safety to our data.
Radio Frequency Identification is a wireless technology that recognizes objects, items, or other frequencies suited to radio frequency identification tags. Radiofrequency is an electromagnetic energy emitted to electronically transfer data from an RFID tag to a suitable reader. This is a technology that almost every industry utilizes due to its efficiency, speed, and array of other benefits.
We all know the importance of protecting our identity, password, and other private data. However, without the proper method, this valuable data and information can easily be breached, and we end up losing all of them. Technology like an RFID wallet identifies and intercepts every attempt to steal your private data.
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RFID theft
RFID theft is a cybercrime involving stealing one’s personal details and information from RFID-chipped cards. Cybercriminals also use this technique to copy and duplicate credit cards. RFID theft, also known as RFID skimming, is used by cybercriminals for wireless credit card theft or identity theft.
In simpler terms, RFID theft is a cybercrime involving reading details from an RFID-chipped card at a distance and transferring those details into a new blank card to operate exactly like the original card. Once the hacker or cybercriminal has your details on another card, they could use it and access other private information within it.
Fortunately, the majority of us are aware of RFID theft. Since many people know that the information on their cards is not entirely safe as they can be compromised remotely and wirelessly, they are looking for ways to avoid falling victim to RFID skimming.
RFID protection – how it works?
RFID protection in the form of RFID-blocking wallets or bags can save you a lot of money and stress. It ensures you are protected from RFID thefts and scams when using card readers with skimmers and in public. RFID protection works by identifying and blocking radio waves from skimmers and preventing them from transmitting waves to your RFID-chipped card to lift the data on it.
RFID protection technology is incorporated into bags and wallets via a layer of metal sheet in the bag or wallet. This metallic sheet is responsible for disrupting radio wave skimming machines and disables them from transmitting signals to and from your card.
This metallic sheet that protects your RFID-equipped cards is called a Faraday cage. A Faraday cage is a thin but durable metallic sheet made from fiber, aluminum, or carbon. It can cloud your RFID-equipped cards by blocking out nearby radio frequencies, protecting its content from being electronically copied.
The primary function of RFID protection is safeguarding information encrypted in RFID-chipped cards. They can carry out this assignment either actively or passively.
Passive RFID protection absorbs or deflects unwanted radio waves. When it absorbs radio waves, it drains the electromagnetic energy surrounding it, and when it deflects radio waves, the energy is bounced off. Either way, it interferes and disrupts the transmission of signals to your RFID-chipped cards.
On the other hand, active RFID protection uses a microchip to block interfering radio frequencies. This microchip pretends to be another card, causing a clash when the card is used in a reader.
Notably, if you are looking for an RFID protection wallet, you must be aware that not all technologies offer the same value of protection. This means that some technologies are more effective than others. Though RFID protection offers some security against RFID theft, one must be alert and cautious as there are no replacements for cautiousness and practicing safety.
Furthermore, the technology used in RFID protection can also be utilized in protecting data in common ID cards and even keycards. If the data on your ID card is copied, the hacker can use the data to access your personal information, such as name, address, SSN, and the like. Similarly, if your keycard is duplicated with an RFID skimmer, the new copy card can open locks and access rooms the original and legitimate keycard should unlock.
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RFID wallets – how to choose one?
Before buying that RFID wallet or purse, how do you know you really need it? Do you have an RFID-enabled card? There is a simple trick to knowing. Have you ever been about checkout or at a point of service and didn’t have to insert your card or swipe it through a reader but just held it up to complete your transaction? If yes, you have an RFID-enabled card, and it is in your best interest to seek an RFID wallet, so you don’t risk losing precious information and valuables.
A good RFID wallet must satisfy two conditions, functionality, and protection. Fortunately, there is an array of RFID wallet for men and women that suits any style and, ultimately, offers protection. This way, you won’t feel vulnerable in public places, and your fashion and style are not compromised.
Today, many companies manufacture RFID wallets in various styles like the center fold, spring loaded, zipper wallets, and more, with different protection capacities made from various materials. However, the best of them is lightweight, compact, and can hold multiple cards at once for ease of access and convenience.
If your job requires you to travel frequently, or you do it just for leisure, you may need an RFID wallet. Vigilance is critical, especially in new places or around new people. Hence you must protect your properties and data against theft. You may want to be more careful in crowded public places.
Other instances where an RFID wallet is useful are camping, going on a night out, or going to sports events, shows or festivals. You don’t have to use an RFID wallet only in these situations and public spaces. You can make an RFID wallet your regular wallet, so you don’t have to worry about transferring your cards and documents from one wallet to another or, in the worst case, forgetting to transfer them.
Buying an RFID wallet is not all it takes to protect your data; maintenance is just as important. You must properly maintain your RFID wallet for optimum protection. More so, when you don’t properly maintain your RFID wallet, it may become susceptible to wear and tear and eventually break down. Suppose this happens. The RFID wallet loses its ability to provide protection. Practicing certain maintenance tips will help you avoid this and extend the lifespan and functionality of your RFID wallet.
Dust and dirt may fall on your RFID wallet and affect its functionality. Therefore, you must always wipe dirt and dust off. There are products manufactured for this purpose. You can also use warm water on a towel and elbow grease to wipe your RIFD wallet. You must also avoid moisture and water. If your RFID wallet is made from leather, it may damage by constant exposure to water or moisture. To this end, when your RFID wallet comes in contact with water, use a dry towel to pat it.
Similarly, keep your RFID wallet neat. When you do this, it stretches and may break. Instead of overloading your RFID wallet, you can buy a bigger one with more compartments to contain all your cards. You should also reduce the amount of pressure you apply on them. When you sit, you impact pressure on your RFID wallet, and too much pressure is unhealthy.
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Conclusion
These days, hackers are becoming more creative and devising new methods to steal from you. with the advancement of technology, it becomes easier for them to steal from us and sometimes even trick us into giving out personal information they would use to harm us. However, knowing their tricks and method and having a countermeasure makes you impervious to their schemes. With an RFID wallet, all your data remains conferential and locked away from hackers and skimmers.
