17 January 2011

RFID chips and "Electronic pickpocketing"

It was almost two years ago that I wrote a post linking to an Engadget article that showed how someone could remotely access drivers' licenses and passports that are embedded with RFID chips.  The featured video is at Engadget or here.

Embedded above is an even scarier video from a Memphis, Tennessee television channel, demonstrating how, with easily obtainable technology, someone can access credit card information in your wallet without touching you.

To know if your credit card is susceptible, look for the symbol at the left.

Addendum:  Some advice from Z. Constantine: "If you hold your RFID-enabled cards at an angle in bright light, you will be able to see a rectangular shape (approximately 3x6mm) opposite the signature line on the back: this is your RFID chip. Take a finishing nail and a hammer and put the nail through the chip. Done. Your card is still perfectly valid for transactions when swiped, but your RFID chip is disabled so the only swiping you need to worry about is the kind you're used to."

6 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 17, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Perhaps a wallet which doubles as a Faraday cage?

    ReplyDelete
  2. MinnesotastanJanuary 17, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    RP, just search Google or eBay, and you can find wallets that are RFID proof, and sleeves that you can put around credit cards.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Isn't someone marketing a metallic sleeve for cards like this? Thought I saw something like this in a knick-knack catalog some time back.

    Lurker111

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    i have an iphone...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Z. ConstantineJanuary 21, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    If you hold your RFID-enabled cards at an angle in bright light, you will be able to see a rectangular shape (approximately 3x6mm) opposite the signature line on the back: this is your RFID chip.

    Take a finishing nail and a hammer and put the nail through the chip. Done.

    Your card is still perfectly valid for transactions when swiped, but your RFID chip is disabled so the only swiping you need to worry about is the kind you're used to.

    ReplyDelete
  6. MinnesotastanJanuary 22, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    Thanks, Z. I've added that to the post.

    ReplyDelete