What is RFID Protection and Do We Need It?
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio-frequency magnetic fields to track personal items, assets, boxes, animals, or even people that carry RFID tags. Unlike the bar code that must be visually read by a reader, an RFID tag can be analyzed from a distance – even if it is concealed. It seems that bar codes and magnetic swiping will one day become obsolete.
Where is RFID used?
Many countries offer modern passports that use an RFID chip. Agents at the airport can scan the passport and retrieve the traveler’s data. Credit Cards have an embedded chip that can be read by a machine with a quick tap. Swiping a transit system card or toll ticket, also uses RFID and works much the same way.
Delta Air Lines was the first airline to employ RFID for tracking bags. This created an effective bag tracking system and saved their passengers a lot of hassle. Along with the new system they created a passenger-facing feature on the Delta app that automatically notifies passengers when their baggage is loaded onto the aircraft and when it is loaded onto the baggage claim carousel.
Dogs and cats with chips are scanned with an RFID reader to see if they have a shoulder chip. The microchip has a unique identification number embedded in it so that the vet or shelter can call a chip company to retrieve the name and address of the pet’s owner.
**By the way, if you have a pet with a chip make sure you update changes in your information with the chip company – especially if your pet changes owners.
Personal Security
Personal accessories now offer RFID technology. Advertising tells us that we will find peace of mind in knowing our travel documents and credit cards are safe and secure as long as we have blocking protection. The words “personal security” sounds like something we all need and therefore should want. Right? So, I started asking questions. Do we personally need to spend money on RFID secured accessories and luggage? Are there certain situations where we want to make sure RFID is in place?
What are the Personal Security Concerns with RFID technology?
One concern is that identity thieves could use a handheld device in a crowd to skim RFID information. The thieves would not have to enter your purse or luggage to gain access to personal information stored in the RFID chips of your credit cards, security cards, or passport. From a comfortable distance, confidential data could be stolen and since nothing was physically touched you, the victim, would have no idea that your private information was compromised.
Hackers have shown how easy it is to get a hold of information from RFID chips from large companies. The thoughts of someone possibility skimming private information, stored in luggage while standing meters away is unnerving. Many travelers and commuters feel better knowing that they have RFID protected travel items.
What does RFID protection mean?
RFID-blocking accessories, such as wallets or sections of luggage, have a metal material that blocks the radio waves of an RFID reader. Several manufactures state that they make blocking materials from an alloy of copper and nickel. This makes sense since Radio Frequency Identification cannot pass through metal. The waves would bounce off unable to reach the tag and read the data, making it impossible for identity thieves to read private information.
Can I create my own RFID protection?
Having read about the metal material that blocks radio waves from an RFID reader, it led the science teacher in me to ask, “Can I make my own RFID protection accessories?” The answer is yes. Andrew had a great time helping me with this science project and in creating his own hypothesis. In the end, it was his idea that got results. Check out our homemade RFID secure technology for keeping travel documents and credit cards safe. Read about our attempt to prove that we could block radio waves and Andrew’s first video attempt at: Science Lab: Homemade RFID Security.
Do We Need to Invest in RFID Accessories?
I think investing in RFID accessories depends on the traveler and the destinations. I don’t feel like this has become a necessity (yet), but a few fellow travelers have stated that they safer. No one can argue this statement.
My Personal RFID Accessories
I travel with a few pieces of RFID protected luggage and accessories. I didn’t search these items out because of that protection but rather because of the functionality that the item offered. There are a some destinations on earth where I would feel more comfortable having RFID accessories. For the most part, I think RFID might be a tactic to sell a new line of product, on the other hand, I might be proved wrong one day. It is up to each individual to research and make their own decision on whether RFID scanning is a security issue for the individual.
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