October is National Cyber Security Month.
Financial industries and tech industries can benefit by connecting their brand message to consumer products that offer protection.
What is RFID?
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is the use of radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag attached to an object. The RFID tag provides a unique identifier for the object using a bar code or magnetic strip that must be scanned to get the information.
What’s the Big Deal?
RFID tags are showing up in some credit cards and newer U.S. passports. These “contact-less cards” are designed to be more convenient than traditional credit cards because they don’t have to be swiped. A payment industry newsletter, The Nilson Report, says 35 million contact-less chip cards are in circulation in the U.S.
There is potential downside to the convenience. Anyone with a handheld RFID reader can “skim” sensitive information from people’s credit cards at several feet. They can even get your name and country of origin from your passport.
There’s no need to panic yet; unless you've listened to comedian Kathleen Madigan talk about her mom, the ray gun people and tin foil! Google it or watch Netflix; good stuff!
What is RFID Blocking Technology?
RFID-blocking wallets and pockets are designed to help protect you from this new brand of electronic pick-pocketing. These items are typically made from a material that interferes with radio waves, making a card’s RFID chip difficult to read.
What Can RFID Blocking Do for Brands?
Safety-related products are part of a rapidly growing trend. Promotional products with RFID-blocking technology capitalize on an increased interest in security and make sense for a variety of projects. Interested? Check out these new products that feature RFID Blocking Technology! There are small credit card sized products to bags and travel wallets with the technology integrated into the product.