What is RFID?
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a no-contact system that transmits information wireless via radio waves. Advances in the technology have led to the development of contactless cards to authenticate an individual’s identity to access buildings, computer systems or data, or in the case of the credit card industry, “tap-and-pay” or “tap-to-go” technology.
Using a tiny RFID tag (microchip) and radio antenna embedded in your contactless card, purchases may be authorized, processed and billed using an RFID reader. The contactless card payment method is a convenient feature that lets you pay with your card or mobile device instead of having to swipe the magnetic strip on your card.
So what’s the big deal?
Identification data, such as person’s credit card number, expiration date and name, can be skimmed or cloned using a portable RFID reader, making payment fraud more practical for thieves. These radio waves can be read through clothing and wallets from up to 10 feet away. While VISA®, MasterCard® and American Express® have made advancements in security, hackers continue to find ways into their networks.
The three multinational financial services firms do have zero liability policies, but these policies are not proactive. They only offer the cardholder assistance after the crime has been committed. The cardholder has the burden to prove the transaction was, in fact, fraudulent.
With the convenience of RFID technology comes the increased risk of payment fraud and identity theft.
RFID blocking devices
You can reduce the risk of exposing your data by storing cards safely in a SkimSAFE RFID blocking device. These products block both high (13.56 MHz) frequencies and ultra-high (450-900 MHz) frequencies, preventing signals from ever leaving your contactless card, making you invisible to RFID hackers.
It’s easy to slide your contactless card into a SkimSAFE RFID blocking device. SkimSAFE card protectors are constructed with a thin innovative lining, proven to block unwanted transmissions from leaving your card. This technology gives you full control of your contactless cards, letting you choose when the encoded data is readable, while preventing signals from being pushed to an outside source.