What are RFID Wallets, and how do they prevent Anti-Theft?
Have you ever heard of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) theft? Did you know that your credit card info is at serious risk from digital thieves with RFID scanners?
While RFID tech has made our lives easier with contactless transactions, it has also given scammers a new way to steal information. Ekster is a great wallet brand to get users insured against RFID skimming.
But is it something you need to worry about? And do you actually need an RFID wallet to protect your identity?
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
Do RFID-blocking wallets really work?
RFID technology is highly convenient. The tiny chip in your card allows you to make quick and easy payments, but it can also make it easier for thieves to steal your information. Whenever the chip gets close enough to a reader, it emits radio waves, which can easily occur without you knowing. That’s where RFID-blocking wallets come in.
What blocks RFID in wallets?
Anti-theft wallets are made of carbon fiber or metal layers, creating a barrier that disrupts the electromagnetic waves generated by RFID-scanning devices. This blocks the scanner from accessing information on your RFID-enabled card. RFID-blocking wallets act as a protective shield to your cards and keep your information safe and secure.
How do I know if my RFID wallet is working?
First of all, it’s crucial to choose a high-quality wallet brand like Ekster.
Ekster offers modern, sleek designs that hold up to 12 cards. Whether you like the traditional Parliament Wallet or the modern Aluminum Cardholder, their anti-theft wallets come in leather, aluminum, or carbon fiber and provide maximum protection.
You can quickly check if your RFID-blocking wallet is working by:
- Selecting a card that has RFID technology, like a contactless credit or debit card
- Storing it in your Ekster wallet
- Finding an RFID scanning device, such as a contactless payment terminal
- Attempting to scan the card through your anti-theft Ekster wallet
- And finally, checking that the transaction attempt was unsuccessful
How do I use RFID in my wallet?
RFID-blocking technology can be implemented into both aluminum and leather wallets.
In the case of Eksters’, their money-carrying mechanisms all have built-in RFID protection for your cards. Also known as metal Faraday cages.
Fun fact: Faraday cages are named after Michael Faraday, who was the first to use a metal cage to block out electromagnetic fields.
The leather exterior of Ekster wallets looks great, and the interior is just as secure as a wallet with an aluminum exterior. So, as long as you keep your cards stored in your RFID wallet, you’re good to go, and your information is safe from wireless identity theft.
The different types of skimming techniques
To understand how dangerous skimming really is and to answer the question why you should consider an RFID-blocking wallet, here are some of the main techniques:
RFID Skimming
RFID skimming involves using a device to read and capture information from RFID-enabled cards. Attackers with an RFID reader can simply bump into you in a store or on the sidewalk and steal your information. Know that anyone can buy an RFID card reader, and because of how undetected the process is, it is almost impossible to catch RFID thieves.
RFID Credit Card Skimmer
A credit card skimmer is a device attached to legitimate card readers, such as ATMs. An RFID credit card skimmer targets cards with RFID technology and illegally accesses the information when the card is near the skimming device.
NFC Skimming
NFC (Near Field Communication) skimming is similar to RFID skimming but focuses explicitly on NFC-enabled cards or devices. In NFC attacks, NFC readers intercept and capture data from the target card when they get close to it.
Wireless RFID Credit Card Skimmer
A wireless RFID credit card skimmer has wireless capabilities that enable attackers to steal data remotely. This type of skimmer doesn’t require physical contact with the target card; instead, it can capture information from a distance.
Bluetooth Skimming
Bluetooth skimming involves the use of a skimming device equipped with Bluetooth technology. The captured data is transmitted wirelessly to the attacker’s machine. This technique is effective in situations where physical retrieval of the skimmer may be challenging.
Wireless Identity Theft
Wireless identity theft involves the unauthorized access and theft of personal information, including financial details, through wireless technologies such as RFID and NFC. Attackers may use skimming devices to capture data and commit identity theft without direct physical contact.
Conclusion
To protect against all of these types of attacks, RFID-blocking wallets like Ekster come in handy. They look sleek and stylish, while also preventing unauthorized access to the information on your cards. In addition, you should also monitor your financial statements for any suspicious transactions regularly.
Ekster wallets’ classic styles paired with innovative technology make them the top choice for anyone looking for a smart RFID-blocking wallet, so make sure to check them out.
