mello yello Posted January 20, 2013 Posted January 20, 2013 (edited) I suppose the real challenge is to avoid this thread turning into another globalwarming debate, but nevertheless here goes... RFID chips/transmitters the type that are manadatory with every newly issued VISA / Mastercard, and I believe passports now ? Can anyone confirm if this is in Aussie passports as well ? OK, word of mouth and some Aluminium wallet thingy ad I saw on tele got me to google ways to protect or disable the card being scanned and hacked. Found some interesting stuff (including a clip I'll link below of Mythbusters confirming they were legally threatened into not doing anything relating to RFID on Discovery Channel ). Im only interested in how to protect my card from being hacked and read a simple Faraday Cage can protect your card from being scanned without you knowing it. Read about the Aluminium Wallet thing and its cheaper Chinese variants and found that almost everyone who bought one has had it break on them...useless I tried a simple experiment,...I slipped some ordinary alfoil into either side of one of those cheap plastic card holders, the sort that banks give you, slipped my RFID card in and tried it...bingo, it works!!! no scan through simple aluminium I thought I might refine that and get a James Bond style cigarette case, found a few good ones on eBay/Amazon etc, till I read on one blog some guy was using an ordinary Bunnings Gift Card metal carrier...costs a whole dollar and you can fit up to 5 cards in it comfortably, and it then slides into any typical wallet, so you get the metal protection, and get to keep your favourite wallet without having to use a slippery metal case on its own. This whole issue, seriously? what are these banks thinking ? http://www.zdnet.com/shielded-wallets-not-necessary-banks-1339300333/ (shielded wallets not necessary...just keep reading about "relay attacks" ) and...if you do get compromised, youre up for full charges until it gets sorted. How do you convince the bank if you got scammed just the once ? I like this one, http://www.amazon.com/Visol-Slim-Flask-Built-Cigarette/dp/B000GKNV6E Edited January 20, 2013 by mello yello
mello yello Posted January 20, 2013 Author Posted January 20, 2013 heres what Mythbusters werent allowed to tell you... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X034R3yzDhw
Upfront Posted January 20, 2013 Posted January 20, 2013 A uk university has been working on RFID tracking. It can accurately track within 10cm. The idea is for supermarkets where you can swipe your credit card in the trolley. Walk around while loading it with groceries and walk straight out when done. No more check outs. I can help but feel a little paranoid about where that could take us. Lucky for me I no longer have a credit card!
Addicted to music Posted January 20, 2013 Posted January 20, 2013 (edited) On 20/01/2013 at 8:14 AM, Jake said: Oh, to be rid of the spotty check-out chicks Cant have that, they're the best reason to shop On 20/01/2013 at 8:19 AM, Upfront said: I'll miss them. Good job for teens. I was O/S in Singapore Macau, HK and China, RFID was present in most areas, what I did notice was that I did not see one automatic checkout m/c in supermarkets and in most there were a final check out chick ensuring the goods you are taking out correspond to the receipt. There was an article in the news saying that the automatic check m/c was costing Coles/Wolies millions cos people are lazy and scanning in vegie items as cheaper versions. Good Work YM, RFID should not be allowed on credit cards IMO, this convenience technology is open to unwanted attractions. I dont believe they are 100% safe, unfortunately my bank has just issue me with one without a choice! Edited January 20, 2013 by pchan
zog Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 I got what I call my "tin foil hats" from ebay for a giggle. They are RFID blocking credit card and passport sleeves. I tested they work (at least one the credit card) for blocking the tap to purchase stuff. Yes, we are more likely (and have been a victim of) your common or garden bag snatching... but I was quite surprised just how easy the tap to purchase stuff worked with my shiny new credit card.
LogicprObe Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 I'm still old school.................mine runs out this year.
Linkin Posted March 18, 2013 Posted March 18, 2013 I destroyed the chip in mine (severed it from the antennae in the card) and it no longer functions
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