Your Wireless Data Is At Risk

In these modern times there are many technological advances that have been developed with the sole purpose of making our lives more convenient, one is RFID. What exactly is RFID? RFID technology ranges from keyless door entry systems in our cars and houses to contactless technology in our bank cards. It has never been easier or more efficient to access our devices and use the things we love. This also makes our information more vulnerable.

WHAT IS RFID?

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is the term given to the use of radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag attached to an object. RFID is similar to barcoding in that data from the tag or label is transmitted to a device that can then store or check that the data matches certain criteria.

HOW DOES RFID WORK?

An RFID system is made up of two parts: a tag and a reader. The tag broadcasts a signal containing a specific piece of information relating to the tag which is then picked up by the reader and checked against its own data before the software in the receiver performs an action based on the information it received. In this sense it works similar to the way bar codes work on the items that we purchase and is very much a technology of convenience. RFID, however, has several advantages over bar-coding systems. The most notable is that RFID tag data can be read outside the line-of-sight and from several feet away, whereas barcodes must be aligned with an optical scanner. 

Imagine going to the grocery store, filling up your cart and walking right out the door. No longer will you have to wait as someone rings up each item in your cart one at a time by scanning the barcodes. Instead, these RFID tags will communicate with an electronic reader that will detect every item in the cart and ring each up almost instantly. Your bank will then be notified and the amount of the bill will be deducted from your account. No lines, no waiting, no fuss. This is the idea behind RFID.

Car keyless entry, immobilizer and ignition systems work in pretty much the same way. Let's say you have a keyless-entry fob. When you get near your car, perhaps 5 to 10 feet away, you press the button to unlock your doors. The RFID chip in the fob sends out a code of impulses broadcast on different frequencies. The corresponding RFID chip in the car receives this code and accesses the car's software to find out if the code is the right one. If it is, the doors unlock. Simple, easy and convenient. No more fumbling around trying to get your key in the lock in the pouring rain.

HOW ARE THIEVES USING RFID TO STEAL CARS?

Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more common for cars equipped with RFID security to be stolen. If you equip a laptop computer with a micro-reader, a device that can capture radio signals and can easily be purchased at many on-line retailers, you can capture the transmissions sent out by an RFID key.

Positioned within a few feet of the RFID transponder, the laptop will send out signals that activate the chip. When the key begins broadcasting, the reader grabs the code, and the computer begins decrypting it. Within minutes, you've got the code that'll tell the car doors to open. Pair that code with a copy of the physical key and you're on your way. In the case of a passive ignition system, the process is similar, but you need only stand next to the car, not the person carrying the key because the code is always transmitting.

In cars that have RFID entry and ignition, break the codes, and you can not only unlock the doors, but also start the car and drive away. According to many security experts, it is the convenience of the system that is the problem. RFID is a great addition to a car's physical security system, but on its own, it allows for complete access with just a single act of decryption. For a thief with good equipment, it's easy and so, so tempting.

THE SOLUTION:

Everything we’ve said so far might seem scary and be putting you off buying a car with a keyless entry/ignition system. However, with diligence and a little help from us your car and credit cards can be kept safe.

The Signal Blocking Key Hider Pouch

The Signal Blocking Key Hider was created to help keep your car safe from thieves and prevent RFID information from your car’s key fob being intercepted.  

The Signal Blocking Key Hider is a wallet that can be securely adhered to any surface and works by blocking the RFID signal of your key fob or any other device placed inside it. Because the signal transmission is stopped thieves cannot capture the information. The wallet’s unique fabric prevents the transmission of all wireless signals, so you can be 100% assured that nobody can steal your key fob’s unique entry/ignition code.

Keep the wallet in your pocket and pop the key fob inside whenever you leave your vehicle. If your key is only transmitting when you need it to you are minimizing the amount of time thieves have to capture your car’s unique entry/ignition code.

You can place your keys inside the pouch at home at night to prevent thieves driving down your street and acquiring your wireless key fob signal while you sleep. Thieves have been known to target streets with expensive cars, driving along them and capturing as many RFID signals as they can.

The wallet can be used to prevent your car’s anti-lockout function, so you can intentionally leave your keys in the car to keep expensive key fobs safe from the elements while at the beach, hiking, etc. You can then use your car’s entry keypad code to gain access to vehicle when you return and then retrieve the key fob without any hassle.

Another benefit of the Signal Blocking Key Hider wallet is that it can be used to stop credit card fraud. Store your credit and debit cards inside the pouch and thieves will be unable to wirelessly access your credit card information.

Get yours today and start getting the peace of mind knowing that your car and credit cards are protected: shop now.

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