Published on February 16th, 2018 | by Guest

Understanding RFID Skimming: It’s Time Block Your Personal Data Breach [Infographic]

Owing to the unique features and advantages it offers, the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is finding newer applications in several sectors, namely manufacturing, banking, transportation, supply chain, agriculture, transportation, and healthcare to name a few. However, businesses need to be aware of the security risks involved when employing this technology.

The Federal Trade Commission, an independent agency of the United States, recently reported over 13 million fraud-and-identity-theft complaints between the years 2012 and 2016, of which three million fraudulent transactions were seen in the year 2016 alone.

The confidential information stored on the RFID cards can be remotely accessed by unauthorized parties, jeopardizing the privacy and making businesses vulnerable to security breaches, namely skimming, hacking, phishing, electronic pickpocketing, and RFID digital ID thefts. For instance, card-skimming criminals can read information on your RFID-enabled credit cards, enabling them to steal the private information in order to make fraudulent purchases without your knowledge.

Consequently, the use of the RFID technology mandates the need for information security and identity protection.

In recent times, RFID chips are being used in all sorts of items, namely credit and debit cards, implanted medical records, parking lot and toll passes, passports, and student identity cards. Blocking the radio signals that transmit data from the RFID chips is one way to protect the confidential information from skimmers. RFID blocking wallets, passport pouches, and sleeves are designed to block RFID readers from accessing the private data.

Another important step that can be taken to minimize the risks associated with RFID cards is to avoid complete dependence on this technology for critical tasks, namely online transactions and office access. For instance, avoid using RFID door passes alone to enter your office building. Instead, install a smart security system which is reliable and safe.

RFID cards are becoming increasingly common in business settings, hence it’s best to understand and minimize the risks associated with this technology. If you are planning to implement RFID in your organization, you must take the necessary precautions to protect your employees and company information from the above-mentioned security threats.

Creating awareness is the best way to make organizations realize the advantages and limitations of this innovative technology. The infographic below shares startling facts about how RFID can pose a threat to confidential data, increasing the risk of frauds and thefts. You will also find time-tested tips on how you can protect yourself from the RFID identity thefts and frauds.

Infographic credits: iBricraft