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Theft 4.0: How to protect your data

Holger Wanke
04.11.2019
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Holger Wanke
Theft is becoming more and more digital and contactless. Your RFID bank cards contain personal data, confidential and less confidential ones. Criminals can access them unnoticed.

Many cards in your wallet are equipped with RFID. This is what you need to know about RFID:

What is RFID?

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. (Wikipedia)

How does RFID work?

According to Wikipedia, RFID requires a chip and a reader in order to use it. If the chip is within range of the reader, the stored information is transmitted. As soon as you hold your bank card at the payment terminal, the chip sends the card data to the bank. The amount is debited.

RFID chips can be found in several cards:

  • Bank cards
  • credit cards
  • identity cards
  • Swiss Pass
  • Employee badge
  • loyalty cards

By the way: many pets carry an implanted RFID chip to enable a positive identification of animals.

Attention thieves!

RFID technology is used to commit crimes. With relatively simple means - e.g. Smartphone with appropriate software. To steal your data the thief must be in immediate vicinity. This could happen completely inconspicuously in the queue in front of a cash desk.

How to protect your data

Never carry the cards loose with you: several cards with RFID signals in your wallet can confuse the receiver device. Data theft is made more difficult.

Shield your RFID chips. This means that nobody can access your data. Various suppliers produce protective cards or sleeves. For example B-Safer. Your data should also be protected with standard aluminium foil in your wallet.

Check your bank statements regularly. Data thieves often debit small amounts at the beginning. Report any irregularities immediately to your bank or credit card company.