Tech Videos

Ultimate protection from RFID fraud

6th January 2017
Lanna Deamer
0

 

Your pocket-sized protection against RFID fraud, shielding credit cards to keep personal data safe.

Introducing VAULTCARD
With contactless card payments growing in popularity, our personal data is increasingly at risk of interception by fraudsters. The RFID technology that allows them to function is not entirely secure and can be accessed by scanning devices that are freely available online. VAULTCARD is a credit card sized tool, which can be placed inside a wallet to block electromagnetic signals – guaranteeing protection against RFID theft, while still enabling the use of contactless payments.

What is RFID fraud and why is it dangerous?
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Technology. A small chip and an antenna relay information from credit and debit cards to contactless scanners, serving the same purpose as a barcode or magnetic strip on the back of a card. Contactless payment cards are convenient as they don’t need to be in direct contact with the scanner to work and don’t require a PIN or signature. However, the long range nature of the technology enables an RFID chip to be read from up to 20ft away with a high powered skimming device – compromising personal data.

RFID technology is used everywhere, from retail to banking, and across a variety of documents from identity cards to driving licenses. Most countries use RFID chips in passports, while several cities use the technology in public transport passes – London’s Oyster card is a key example. In addition, many businesses use RFID building access cards. Almost all credit and debit cards now carry contactless technology, which is also referred to as ExpressPay (American Express), payWave (Visa), PayPass (MasterCard), and Zip (Discover).

In addition, most RFID enabled credit or debit cards will carry the following sign:

RFID enabled cards undoubtedly save time for consumers and organisations, but as they have become more common around the globe, significant security concerns have also emerged. Criminals can easily acquire equipment capable of accessing the data stored on your cards or passports from several metres away. Fraudsters can utilise this data to replicate credit cards, steal identities, or access secure buildings.

Why is VAULTCARD so effective?
VAULTCARD switches on automatically when it senses an electromagnetic wave emitted by an RFID scanner. It responds to signal strengths one hundred times smaller than those required for contactless cards to function, and creates a sophisticated electromagnetic jamming signal that blocks RFID readers.

How to use your VAULTCARD
Place VAULTCARD in the middle of your wallet. All RFID enabled cards will be protected within 1.6" of the VAULTCARD, and cards can be placed on either side, offering protection inside wallets up to 8cm thick.

Contactless cards can still be used to pay for transactions in the normal way – just be sure the VAULTCARD is held 8" away when making payments.

Featured products

Upcoming Events

View all events
Newsletter
Latest global electronics news
© Copyright 2024 Electronic Specifier