What is RFID Blocking?
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Card. These are credit cards, IDs, passports, entrance key cards, etc. that store your personal information via a chip or tag.
There is typically a built-in antenna that transmits this information to a RFID reader. The idea is that you brush the card against the RFID reader so that it can quickly process your information. This is most commonly used on credit cards with the Wifi-looking symbol for contactless payment.
RFID credit cards allow you to process a payment without having to swipe your card. Simply place the card near an RFID reader and the reader will be able to quickly process your payment.
The downside is that anyone with an RFID reader can easily compromise your information. Appearing as a normal phone, a RFID scammer can gain you information in the coffee line or in a cramp airport. Be prepared.
Are RFID Blocking Wallets Effective?
Evolving RFID technology makes it fairly easy for someone with a handheld reader to steal your card information. Shielded metallic sleeves or fabrics offer the best RFID protection. In order for an RFID wallet to be effective, it needs to incorporate some type of metallic protection.
It is also important to note the degree of protection offered. A high-powered RFID reader can pick up an unobstructed RFID signal from several feet away. While some wallets may diminish that signal to 4-5 inches, others, like the Armored Summit, offer protection from less than inch away.
Testing RFID Blocking with Trayvax Wallets
We had to find out for ourselves. In this blog post, we rented a RFID scanner to test out each wallet’s ability to withstand a hack. The Armored Summit proved to have the best RFID blocking technology.
Where to buy a RFID Blocking Wallet?
The Trayvax Armored Summit is one of the best-selling RFID-blocking wallets on the market. A RFID-skimming thief would need to be less than one inch from the Armored Summit in order to steal your information. But, are these identity protection wallets really necessary?
It depends on what you’re trying to protect. Not all credit cards have RFID capabilities, look for the icon on the card. If you are unsure, we recommend contacting your bank.
Summary:
If you have an entrance key card to your apartment, home, or business; it may be advisable to protect yourself with a RFID blocking wallet. If you have a high-security job with an entrance key card, it would be important to protect that information. Chances are you already have RFID blocking products or at least understand what information is at risk.
Passports and some state-issued IDs also store personal information via RFID, if your ID has a barcode on the back it is prone to RFID fraud. All that being said, it certainly makes sense to protect your personal information with an RFID-blocking wallet like the Armored Summit by Trayvax.
Cheers,
Brian Z - Trayvax Content Creator
support@trayvax.com
1 comment
sheryl
I just learned about you guys today! wow… impressive! I felt honored to catch Mark King’s TEDx about his electric car. amazing! you guys ROCK!!!
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