Radio Frequency Identity Is Hearalded By Consumers And Thieves Alike

Description of and solution to the RFID credit card theft problem

(LosAngeles.CityRegions.Com, January 02, 2014 ) Grass Valley, California -- the new generation of credit cards, known as contactless or wireless, cards are found to be more convenient by consumers, and thieves alike. To the consumer the convenience comes at the checkout counter where one need simply pass the card near a small reader terminal, and the transaction is accomplished.

To the thief the touted convenience is also in the simplicity. The thief need only pass his scanner, or reader in the vicinity of the card, which is generally pocket, wallet or purse, and again, all the information needed for a purchase is recorded. This time into the possession of the thief.

WNCN Investigates, of RALEIGH, N.C worked with security consultant Walt Augustinowicz of Identity Stronghold at a local shopping mall to demonstrate what is being called electronic pickpocketing.

Shoppers gave permission to Augustinowicz to steal information in the same manner a techno-thief would. With what appeared to be a small lap-top in hand, Augustinowicz walked by the card holder and within a few steps had all the card numbers needed for a purchase. 16

Cards, and the many other items using Radio Frequency technology are embedded with a micro chip which holds the information. The chip broadcasts the numbers by radio signal, which is read by a special receiver usually placed at the point of purchase in a retail outlet.

Not only is the scanner easily acquired, it is now easy to equip some cell phones to read radio frequency signals.

When asked to explain this further, Augustinowicz replied, "A guy can put a piece of Trojan horse software inside an app ... download the app and now your phone is always looking for credit cards or building access cards and can email them anywhere in the world."

So many of the mall shoppers were totally unaware of the vulnerability of radio frequency technology. This is unfortunately true of the public in general.

However, RFID technology is not going away, in fact, it is rapidly becoming more and more prevalent.

This means it is up to the individual to either give up the use of credit and charge cards, orto shield themwithin aluminum or stainless steel.

Holders designed for this purpose are becoming readily available and their use is definitely encouraged by security personnel such as Augustinowicz.

About Wylins Products

Wylins, a small company in Grass Valley, has looked into this growing crime and created aluminum cases that perfectly enclose RFID cards. They are the type of cases authorities are recommending. These beautiful cases have been designed specially for women, come in 7 fun BLING colors and can be found on Amazon.com.

Wylins Products

Carolyn Collins

714-309-1116

media@wylins.com

Source: EmailWire.Com