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.
RFID Protection
- 308Mike
- Posts: 16537
- Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2008 3:47 pm
Re: RFID Protection
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
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
- mekender
- Posts: 13189
- Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:31 pm
Re: RFID Protection
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
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
- 308Mike
- Posts: 16537
- Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2008 3:47 pm
Re: RFID Protection
Fixed it for ya'.mekender wrote:just not real sure it is a big deal YET
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
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