How Does an RFID Card Blocker Work?

RFID card blockers keep criminals from skimming your data from RFID cards. The RFID blockers provide a shield that prevents RFID readers from reading the signals generated by RFID cards.

The blockers are made of various low-magnetic-conductivity materials. They block RFID waves, making it impossible for criminals to read the card.

But what exactly is RFID skimming? How does it function? And why are RFIC card blockers required to prevent card skimming?

If you have any of these questions, this article will provide comprehensive answers.

What Exactly Is RFID Card Skimming?

RFID card skimming is the practice of obtaining data from cardholders without their knowledge using technology. Because criminals can obtain information from an RFID card inside your pocket or handbag, this phenomenon is also known as digital pickpocketing!

These digital pickpockets use RFID card readers to steal the information from your credit or debit cards in a matter of seconds. Even more concerning is the fact that they can obtain the data while standing more than ten feet away.

How does RFID card skimming work, though? Is it a serious security risk?

RFID card skimming, without a doubt, poses a security risk. Many organizations around the world are dealing with data breaches caused by RFID card cloning. As technology advances, data theft becomes more sophisticated.

As a result, organizations are implementing data encryption technology and RFID card blockers to protect cardholder data.

If you're wondering how criminals get data from your RFID cards, we've put together a breakdown of what happens. Here's how they do it:

RFID Readers/Scanners are obtained by criminals.

RFID cards contain an embedded RFID chip that stores all of the cardholder's information. If a criminal obtains access to this information, they can use it to further their criminal activities.

To accomplish this, they obtain an RFID reader/scanner, which emits electromagnetic waves that excite the RFID card, causing it to release data.

Criminals can insert illegal card readers inside ATMs to collect your data and your secret PIN or password if they want to skim your credit/debit card data.

Create RFID Card Duplicates

When the data becomes available, they will collect it and copy it onto a blank RFID card to create a clone. These clone cards function identically to the original cards.

Use Clone Cards for Criminal Purposes

Once the criminals have created a clone card, they can withdraw funds from your accounts and make online payments.

Furthermore, these criminals have the ability to sell the data to other criminals for use in fraudulent activities.

Why Do RFID Card Blockers Exist?

If you're concerned about the security of your data when using RFID-enabled cards, RFID card blockers can help.

These card blockers are made of materials that prevent radio waves from RFID readers from passing through. As a result, RFID readers will be unable to collect data unless the card is first removed from the blocker.

RFID card blockers come in a variety of configurations. RFID blocking wallets and sleeves are two of the most commonly used RFID blockers.

RFID Card Blocker Types

RFID Protection Wallets

An RFID blocking wallet is the best option if you want to protect a large number of RFID cards from electronic fraudsters. These wallets are constructed from aluminum or another RFID-blocking material.

They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can be confident that the RFID blocking modifications do not jeopardize design. There will be a plethora of design options available to you.

RFID Armbands

These storage sleeves are small enough to be carried in a wallet. They are made of various materials for various purposes. RFID sleeves that are commonly used include:

RFID Blocking PET Sleeve These sleeves are made of PET material and aluminum foil to block all RFID reader radio waves. The sleeves' PET construction makes them anti-magnetic and waterproof. This ensures that the cards will last regardless of the environment. Even better, the sleeves are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs, and they are reasonably priced.

RFID Blocking Paper Sleeve These sleeves are made of paper with a metallic interior that blocks RFID signals. They are anti-demagnetization and waterproof.

Your choice is determined by your preferences. Make sure to select an RFID sleeve that meets your requirements. Even better, you can ask your RFID dealer for customization to get the best deal.

Faraday Shield/Faraday Cage

This is a container for all of your RFID-enabled items. It is intended to block electromagnetic fields, preventing criminals from skimming your cards with RFID readers. They are constructed with various exterior materials and several layers of RFID blocking material on the inside.

If you use keyless entry fobs for your car, the Faraday box is essential. The fobs contain an RFID chip that transmits radio signals. When your vehicle detects the signals, all doors will unlock. Keyless ignition works in the same way.

Criminals can use RFID relay boosters to intercept your key fob's signals and fool the car into thinking the key fob is nearby. As a result, thieves will gain access to your vehicle and steal. They will also steal your car if it has a keyless ignition system.

However, storing your keyless fobs in a Faraday box prevents RFID signals from leaving the box. As a result, the criminals will be unable to amplify the signals, and your vehicle will be safe.

RFID Identification Cards

These cards include a shielding module that sits between the PET films and the covering material (can be PVC, PET, or ABS). They function by generating an electromagnetic field that renders all RFID cards invisible to nearby RFID readers.

All you'll need is one RFID blocking card in your wallet to protect all of your RFID cards from RFID skimming. The blocking frequency on the majority of the cards is 13.56 MHz.