RFID Lowdown: More Radio Frequency-Blocking Wallets

September 26, 2006

More Radio Frequency-Blocking Wallets

DIFRWear has joined the growing list of those offering a way to shield your RFID-enabled smartcards or passports. DIFRWear offers a line of men's and women's wallets that block RF signals using a principle called a Faraday Cage. A Faraday cage is usually a mesh created of material that can block radio frequency signals - typically specific metals.

This is all of great concern these days, especially with US programs like the new e-passport and various contactless smart ID cards for government employees and citizens in general. Some or all of these forms of e-dentification are reputed to have security flaws which allow unauthorized RFID/ contactless readers to access their data and possibly duplicate the information elsewhere. A great deal of the concern is focused on the new ICAO-compliant e-passports, which are being used in the US, European Union, and other countries. (Distribution began in August in many countries.)

I haven't come across any reports yet of how many RF-blocking sleeve units are selling, from any of the companies selliing them (e.g., Emvelope, Identity Stronghold). However, I assume that once a TV news show starts discussing such smartcard and e-passport sleeves, sales will go through the roof. In the case of Identity Stronghold, they have an advantage because their SecureSleeve is being used by the US government for all of its employees identity smartcards.

Isn't it funny how so many new technologies have a flaw that creates a nice aftermarket for products and services?

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September 26, 2006 | Permalink