RFID
About RFID
RFID, Radio Frequency Identification, is the technology that lets you simply wave your credit card, passport or license in front of a nearby scanner instead of having to slide the magnectic stripe through it. It’s a fairly simple concept. The electronic scanner sends a signal which is received by an antenna embedded into the card, which is connected to the card's RFID chip, thus activating it.
RFID
The RFID chip in a credit card emits the account number, expiration data and other information.
RFID readers
Readers are employed by convenience stores, pharmacies, restaurants, fast food markets, and many other places of business. Credit card companies say it keeps your identity safer, because your card is never in the hands of a stranger. Readers include safety features to keep your data from being intercepted once it has been read from your card.
However, these same readers can be freely purchased and attached to a laptop or cell phone with very little technical knowledge required. They’ve even created cell phones with built in card readers that can steal your information. How many times have you walked by someone carrying a tablet computer case? Would you even be suspicious? By simply walking past you, this person acquires your credit card number, expiration date and more to do with what he pleases.
What can you do?
RFID chips are becoming more and more common. How can you keep your identity safe? One option is RFID Secure Wallets, Passport Holders and Card Sleeves.
These are made of fabrics that are woven or embedded with micro thin layers of metal that will not demagnetize your chips.