What is RFID Blocking?

A technology created pre-1940’s has grown and refined over time to become RFID (Radio Frequency Identity Device) we all know and use every day. RFID “tags” are planted in credit and banking cards we use on a daily basis. The term RFID is used to describe various technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify people or objects.

RFID technology is like the bar code identification systems we see in retail stores every day. However, one big difference between RFID and bar code technology is that RFID does not rely on the line-of-sight reading that bar code scanning needs to work. All it needs is to be nearby to be detected. Don’t let the size fool you either. An average RFID tag only stores 1KB of information, but that one tiny kilobyte is enough to store your Social Security Number, name, address, credit card details, and much more. The fact is that RFID is a rapidly growing technology that we as consumers need to understand and protect the information they contain.

There are countless ways we use RFID on a daily basis, often without realizing it. Passports and other identifying documents; payment cards including contactless payment; bar codes; and those key and time cards you use to get into buy products; tracking pets and humans; inventory management, and much more. That’s a ton of data available with a minimum of effort. That’s great of course, until one day that helpful RFID technology is used against you.

ATM/POS Protection

Chip or RFID, there are steps you can take to stop attacks at your ATM or POS (point-of-sale) device/pin pad. Those credit and banking cards are chock-full of chips and magnetic strips waiting to be stolen at POS devices.

• Make sure the ATM or terminal looks like you’d expect it to – no mismatching or extra parts attached.
• Check the stability of the actual device you’re sliding your card into. It should feel sturdy and nothing should be loose.
• Shield the pin pad when putting in your password. Cameras can actually be hiding at the POS or configured elsewhere in the store – likely behind and above you – to capture your data input.
• Use ATMs that are protected inside a building. If you’re using one at night, make sure the area around it is well lit.

RFID Protection

Quite simply, almost any type of metal product – including aluminum foil – can block RFID signals from transmitting. However, there are many ways to block RFID without cornering the market on aluminum foil. Someone intent on grabbing your RFID data may brush by you in a crowded store – it’s that easy.

• Depending on the type of RFID system used, an attack can work from inches away to 50+ feet or more.
• There’s no shortage of RFID-blocking products currently on the market. There are protective passport wallets, common-looking wallets for men and women, including the beloved fanny pack and other types of bags.
• Make sure to keep your work ID badge safe at all times. Don't leave it exposed in your car or on your desk. Tuck it away somewhere safe and out of sight when it's not on you.

The options above are typically lined with metal to be effective although some offer added RFID protection options by way of design – the choice is yours.