RFID Protection

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MarkD
Posts: 3969
Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:59 pm

RFID Protection

Post by MarkD »

One of the transit systems (PATH) I frequent has announced that they're discontinuing the old magnetic fare cards in favor of new RFID-based cards. Since I seldom worry about being paranoid and often worry about being insufficiently paranoid, I'd like to block access to this card when I'm not actually using it to pass thru a turnstile. (It'll also be good practice for when I renew my passport and get one of those with the RFID in it too).

First, is this a concern? The literature from the PATH states that the range is only a couple inches, but I wonder if that's a function of the turnstile and not the card. Second, is there a way to change my existing wallet (which I like) to one that'll be secure? Third, AM I being too paranoid?

I thought there was a discussion about this once before, but a search didn't turn it up.
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308Mike
Posts: 16537
Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2008 3:47 pm

Re: RFID Protection

Post by 308Mike »

I don't know how true it is but, I've also heard wrapping the card in aluminum foil will sufficiently interfere with any signal to keep it from being read.
POLITICIANS & DIAPERS NEED TO BE CHANGED OFTEN AND FOR THE SAME REASON

A person properly schooled in right and wrong is safe with any weapon. A person with no idea of good and evil is unsafe with a knitting needle, or the cap from a ballpoint pen.

I remain pessimistic given the way BATF and the anti gun crowd have become tape worms in the guts of the Republic. - toad
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mekender
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Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:31 pm

Re: RFID Protection

Post by mekender »

personally, i am more worried with things like purchases on my CC getting tracked or with license plate cameras than i am about rfid...

just not real sure it is a big deal
“I no longer need to run as a Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Party. The Democrat Party has adopted our platform.” - Norman Thomas, a six time candidate for president for the Socialist Party, 1944
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308Mike
Posts: 16537
Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2008 3:47 pm

Re: RFID Protection

Post by 308Mike »

mekender wrote:just not real sure it is a big deal YET
Fixed it for ya'.

As they get put into more and more pieces of plastic that we carry and the more places that install readers that can pick them start getting k=hooked together on networks, the easier it will be to track people and plot their movements.

If there's a way I can interfere with whatever they may be doing and if it's not too inconveniencing for me, I'll do it just to stick my thumb in their eye.
POLITICIANS & DIAPERS NEED TO BE CHANGED OFTEN AND FOR THE SAME REASON

A person properly schooled in right and wrong is safe with any weapon. A person with no idea of good and evil is unsafe with a knitting needle, or the cap from a ballpoint pen.

I remain pessimistic given the way BATF and the anti gun crowd have become tape worms in the guts of the Republic. - toad
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