Why is RFID a Vulnerable Technology?

Lord777

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We are sure that everyone or almost everyone is familiar with RFID technology today. And do not be confused by the complex term "radio frequency identification" - we are talking about cards and other contactless payment tools. Today, bank and transport cards with RFID chips and phones using similar NFC technology (payment through special Android Pay and Apple Pay applications) are used by many, unaware of the vulnerability of such payment instruments. Why is RFID a Vulnerable Technology? And how can this problem be solved? Read on.

RFID vulnerability issues
The essence of the contactless payment technology is that the scanner (terminal or other payment device) "interrogates" the card into which the RFID chip is mounted, consisting of an antenna, receiver, transmitter and memory module, and reads from it information about the card, its holder, as well as other required data. Having gained access to the account of the cardholder, the system debits money from him upon payment. Interaction is carried out when the card with the chip is presented to the terminal. At the same time, payments of up to $ 15 do not even require confirmation in the form of a pin code from the cardholder. The situation is similar with phones with installed contactless payment programs.

The vulnerability of the technology is obvious. Possessing a scanner, an attacker can easily write off money from a contactless payment card without the knowledge of the owner. The need for close contact between the chip and the terminal should not be misleading, if fraudsters use powerful electromagnetic devices, the chip can be read at a distance of several meters, and in a very short time. In part, the need to enter a PIN code for large purchases or withdrawal of money in the amount of more than $ 15 fights against possible fraud, but what prevents an attacker from conducting several smaller transactions?

Moreover, it is not difficult for hackers to hack into a smartphone. This is also done with the help of special powerful scanners - grabers or by sending viruses to the phone and intercepting control. Having gained access to a smartphone, an attacker becomes the owner of a huge amount of information. These are logins and passwords of social networks, e-mail, as well as data for accessing other cards and bank accounts of the owner. So NFC technology at the moment cannot be considered as a more convenient and secure alternative to contactless payment cards. And if you can still agree with convenience, then talking about safety is definitely not worth it. Moreover, the phone can be discharged at any time or fail - and you will find yourself without a "wallet".

Solving RFID Card Vulnerability Issues
It is sometimes difficult to give up comfortable and familiar things, even for the sake of safety. Moreover, today the vast majority of cards (credit, debit, transport) are equipped with RFID tags. The presence of an opportunity forces you to use it. But how can you secure your personal data and money?

Most of the technologies offered today are quite complex and expensive, as they require the use of high-tech equipment and new encryption algorithms. But there are simple and budget solutions available to every RFID card holder - special cases and wallets with shielding protection.

Outwardly, such accessories practically do not differ from ordinary ones, but they have inserts made of a special metallized material in the lining, which prevents the penetration of radio waves and scanning of card chips. Today, many manufacturers offer similar solutions using a metal mesh woven into the fabric with a thin metal wire, foil. All of these materials provide at least interference with scanning, and at most - protection of a certain level of reliability. Unfortunately, it is impossible to talk about 100% safety even in these cases.

Wallets, wallets and cardholders with protection
Modern RFID protection technology based on the shielding properties of a special material. It was developed by foreign experts and is a solution that provides 100% protection against scanning and data theft by cybercriminals. How does differ from similar technologies?

The problem with shielding materials is that they provide different degrees of protection against radio waves of different frequencies. That is, being, for example, "opaque" for waves of an operating frequency of 13.56 MHz, they are easily "pierced" by waves of greater or lesser length. This allows attackers to steal data by changing and sampling frequencies. The task of reliable protection is more complicated - to provide impermeability to the widest possible wavelength range.

The peculiarity of the Optexx material is that it consists of an alloy of metals. Due to the different physicochemical characteristics of the components, this metallized film reliably shields radiation in a wide range of frequencies. This is not due to the thickness or density of the material, but due to its structure. That is, wallets and cases are as compact and convenient as ordinary accessories, but at the same time ensure the complete safety of your personal data and money on the card.

Advantages of accessories:
  • Reliable RFID protection against the effects of any known scanners and grabers operating in a wide range of radio frequencies.
  • Excellent appearance and ease of use due to the lightness and compactness of the shielding material.
  • The functionality of products, the ability to use them for storing cards, cash, documents.
  • High strength of materials.

The assortment of our online store includes a large selection of RFID-protected accessories for men, women and children. And a variety of design and color solutions is your opportunity to choose a model in accordance with your own preferences.
 
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