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January 1, 2011
Electronic Pickpocket
[via Whattayagonado]
January 1, 2011 at 02:01 PM | Permalink
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This was done in proof-of-concept at least six years ago, and theorized that with the proper antenna and power supply, passports could be read from a distance of 4-6 feet.
At that time, there were quite a few articles suggesting renewing your US passport for a new ten year window prior to their addition of the new RFID chip, so that hopefully this vulnerability would be addressed prior to your next required passport renewal.
Technology being what it is, of course it is now happening in the wild, and effective distances will only increase.
Posted by: Tim | Jan 3, 2011 6:31:45 AM
I thought aluminum or thin metal/wire sheathing liners could be used free to thwart the signal being read? That true? With both magnetic coded cards in a pocket plus RFID type ones it's hard to know what to do to not ruin or destroy each of them somehow.
Posted by: megan | Jan 1, 2011 6:06:52 PM
oops, I had stepped away from my computer and didn't see the middle. Yes, they mention who he is, but I still have to wonder. Is it marketing??? Who knows. They need your name and mailing address too.
Posted by: tamra | Jan 1, 2011 5:36:52 PM
It already has. Walt Augustinowicz is the CEO of a company called Identity Stronghold. He invented and sells a sleeve that shields the card from the possibility of being scanned.
http://www.idstronghold.com/identity-stronghold-protects-one-millionth-contactless-smart-card.asp
He was featured on the show "Pitchmen":
http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/pitchmen-modern-pickpocket-protection.html
Is it a good product? Probably, but it's interesting that this news piece neglects to mention this. A good publicist no doubt.
Posted by: tamra | Jan 1, 2011 5:33:30 PM
Although a pin would be necessary on some transactions and the 3-4 digit
code on the back also, a LOT of internet merchants would let this slide.
I witnessed a demonstration of this technology at a show in Pittsburgh,
it is true and something needs to be done (quickly) about it.
Posted by: Joe Peach | Jan 1, 2011 4:56:41 PM
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