Tap to pay! You must have heard that before. If you have a little sideways wave logo (see red circle on the image) on your credit card, you can simply tap your card on the merchant terminal to pay.
This payment method allows you to make contactless transactions using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The technology consists of:
- 📡 A microchip inside the card. It contains information such as the card number. This is different from the EMV chip visible on the outside of the card.
- 📡 An antenna inside the card which sends information to the sales terminal. This is made up of several wires.
- 📡 An antenna in the terminal device to transfer and read information located on the chip.
These contactless credit cards make our lives easier, but how safe are they to use?
Technically, electronic pickpockets with skimming devices can pick up your card’sRFID signal and steal your money. In Europe, contactless purchases are limited to a certain amount to limit theft risks. Retailers have also created a market for RFID-blocking wallets.
How do these wallets work, and do you need one?
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- Sign up to CyberGhost VPN. It’s fast and easy.
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What Does “RFID-Blocking Wallet” Mean?
An RFID-blocking wallet uses a layer of carbon fiber or aluminum to block the electromagnetic signal emitted from your card. The wallet acts like a Faraday cage. It creates a barrier and cancels out electromagnetic signals. Whether you’ve owned a contactless payment card or not, the market for it has grown rapidly.
Do I Need to Worry About RFID Protection?
While it’s always a good idea to safeguard your wallet, the danger of contactless credit card thefts is overblown. Here’s why:
- Criminals with a reader need to be very close to scan your card.
- The theft is a time consuming hit-or-miss for criminals. Their victim might not even own a contactless card.
- The RFID chip only transmits the card number. Additional information needed for online transactions, such as the expiration date or security code, can’t be scanned.
- RFID cards now use encrypted one-time codes for each purchase.
All this means it’s not really worth it for scammers to skim RFID cards. Still, you should keep a close eye on your online finances and RFID scams are the least of your worries.
In a world that’s becoming more virtual, the real threat is often digital. Whenever you purchase something from a website, access online banking, or simply access public wi-fi, you’re potentially exposing yourself to cybercriminals. That’s why it’s always a good idea to use a VPN to secure your credit card and personal information.
How To Shop Online Safely
CyberGhost VPN hides your IP address and masks it with one from its servers. Cybercriminals won’t be able to detect your real location, and steal your information. Use CyberGhost VPN for peace of mind when you’re online shopping, banking, or surfing the net.
Worry Less, Shop More
Love online shopping, but worried about your security? According to the FBI, online shoppers lost nearly $2 billion from skimming and related online theft in 2020 alone.
Use a VPN when you shop online to prevent cybercriminals from targeting you. CyberGhost VPN encrypts your internet traffic with a special key so no one sees your online activity. It’s nearly impossible for anyone to decode the key. CyberGhost VPN uses military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, the best kind available.
Thanks to this encryption, you can shop online confidently and securely.
Protect Yourself When Traveling
Just like your wallet, your data is at risk when you travel. You never know who could be lurking on the free airport wifi, waiting to hit you with a MitM attack. Cybercriminals trick the network system to intercept your connection and steal your data. That’s why you need to protect yourself with a VPN.
CyberGhost VPN includes the latest VPN Protocols to keep your data safe. These protocols are guidelines for how you connect to the VPN server. Each protocol has its advantages, so CyberGhost VPN lets you choose the best one for you.
Access Online Banking Worldwide
Want to access your online banking platform securely from abroad? Some banks restrict access to users located in a foreign country.
A VPN can overcome this barrier. You can change your IP address and disguise your location. CyberGhost VPN has thousands of servers in 91+ countries, so you’re likely to find an uncrowded server in the country you want.
Download and connect to Cyberghost VPN to safely manage your finances from anywhere in the world.
Connect Up to 7 Simultaneous Devices
Staying safe online is just as crucial on mobile devices as on desktops. That’s why CyberGhost VPN protects your connection on nearly any device.
CyberGhost VPN has apps for all major devices including PC, Mac, iOS devices, Android, and more. Your subscription also supports up to 7 simultaneous connections. That means family and friends can also benefit from the security of a VPN.
Enjoy Enhanced Online Privacy
Your data is valuable, which means that cybercriminals aren’t the only ones looking to spy on you. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and possibly your government are eager to keep tabs on what you do online.
CyberGhost VPN has a No Logs policy, so we don’t keep track of your activities. Since our headquarters are in Romania, which isn’t a part of the five eyes alliance, we don’t have any requirement to report on you. CyberGhost VPN keeps your data safe so you can finally enjoy improved privacy online.
Whether you’re traveling or at home, cybercriminals are a real danger. VPNs give you a secure way to avoid cyberattacks and keep shopping or banking from anywhere. Get CyberGhost VPN to get back and enjoy the best part of online shopping- staying in your pajamas!
FAQ
What is RFID-blocking?
RFID-blocking material blocks your card’s electromagnetic signal. For example, an RFID-blocking wallet uses a carbon fiber or aluminum layer to disrupt the signal and create a “Faraday cage.” RFID-blocking only works on cards with RFID technology. Next time you pay by card online, consider using a VPN to avoid falling victim to cybercriminals.
Is RFID blocking really necessary?
No. In most cases, it’s not necessary because a thief would have to get very close to your card with no obstructions to steal from it. Still, it’s important to secure your financial information, especially online. CyberGhost VPN is a great way to stay out of harm’s way when you surf online.
Does aluminum foil block RFID?
Possibly. While aluminum foil may block the RFID signal, the signal itself requires close direct proximity to the sensor to work. More often than not, aluminum foil isn’t necessary.
It’s easier for cybercriminals to find sensitive information like your credit card details online. You should secure your connection with a VPN. Try CyberGhost VPN, backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee.
How can I block an RFID chip?
Since the latest cards only work within close proximity (a few inches or centimeters), distance is usually enough to block the signal. Cloth barriers like your purse or wallet can further reduce it. If you’re worried, RFID-blocking wallets will definitely block the signal.
Still, cybercriminals can target you easily by leveraging your digital identity. Thankfully, VPNs like CyberGhost protect your identity online.
Is RFID a real threat?
While scammers are a real threat, they don’t rely much on RFID. Other ways are easier and more convenient. Cybercriminals now target shoppers more than ever because online purchases offer an opportunity to get information at the point of sale.
Use CyberGhost VPN to protect your connection with a secure tunnel, so no one can intercept data transferred between you and the retailer.
Do RFID wallets ruin credit cards?
No, RFID wallets don’t ruin credit cards. Still, it’s essential to keep your credit cards separated in any wallet. You should avoid placing them near any magnets, which can erase the data on the magnetic strip.
Virtually, VPNs are the best thing for your wallet and peace of mind. CyberGhost VPN’s support team stands by 24/7 in case you ever need us!
As a cybersecurity enthusiast with a deep understanding of RFID technology and online security, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:
RFID Technology and Contactless Payments:
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Microchip in the Card: The article mentions a microchip inside the contactless credit card, distinct from the visible EMV chip. This microchip stores information like the card number.
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Antenna in the Card: The card contains an antenna that sends information to the sales terminal using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
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Antenna in the Terminal Device: The sales terminal has an antenna to transfer and read information from the RFID chip.
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Contactless Transactions: Contactless payments involve tapping the card on the merchant terminal, utilizing RFID technology for quick and convenient transactions.
RFID-Blocking Wallets:
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RFID-Blocking Definition: An RFID-blocking wallet is introduced as a protective measure against electronic pickpocketing. It utilizes materials like carbon fiber or aluminum to block the electromagnetic signals emitted by the RFID chip in the card.
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Faraday Cage Analogy: The article compares the RFID-blocking wallet to a Faraday cage, emphasizing its role in creating a barrier that cancels out electromagnetic signals.
Concerns and Safeguards:
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Electronic Pickpocketing Concerns: The article raises concerns about electronic pickpocketing, where criminals with skimming devices can intercept RFID signals and potentially steal money.
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Limitations on Contactless Purchases: In Europe, contactless purchases are limited to mitigate theft risks.
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RFID-Blocking Wallet Necessity: The article discusses the necessity of RFID-blocking wallets, acknowledging the market demand for such products.
Addressing Concerns:
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Proximity of RFID Readers: The article reassures readers by highlighting that criminals with RFID readers need to be very close to scan a card, making theft a time-consuming hit-or-miss endeavor.
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Limited Information from RFID Chip: The RFID chip only transmits the card number, and additional information required for online transactions (expiration date, security code) cannot be scanned.
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Encrypted One-Time Codes: Modern RFID cards use encrypted one-time codes for each purchase, enhancing security.
Introduction of CyberGhost VPN:
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Online Security Threats: The article expands the discussion beyond RFID to address broader online security threats, emphasizing the need for VPNs in an increasingly virtual world.
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VPN Functionality: CyberGhost VPN is introduced as a solution to enhance online privacy and security by masking the user's IP address and encrypting internet traffic.
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Benefits of VPN Use:
- Secure Online Shopping: The article suggests using a VPN to secure online shopping, protecting against cybercriminals targeting online shoppers.
- Protection While Traveling: VPNs are recommended to protect data while using public Wi-Fi during travel.
- Access to Online Banking Worldwide: VPNs can help overcome restrictions on accessing online banking from foreign locations.
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VPN Encryption Standards: CyberGhost VPN is highlighted for its military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring a high level of security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
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RFID-Blocking and VPNs: The FAQs address the necessity of RFID-blocking, emphasizing that while RFID-blocking is not always necessary, securing financial information online is crucial, and a VPN like CyberGhost can provide that security.
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Use of Aluminum Foil: The article discusses the potential use of aluminum foil to block RFID signals but emphasizes the effectiveness of VPNs in providing online security.
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RFID as a Real Threat: While acknowledging the real threat of scammers, the article suggests that cybercriminals don't rely heavily on RFID, and VPNs are recommended for overall online protection.
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Impact of RFID Wallets on Credit Cards: The FAQs clarify that RFID wallets do not ruin credit cards, but caution against placing cards near magnets. It further highlights the role of VPNs in protecting digital identities.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of RFID technology, the benefits and concerns associated with contactless payments, the role of RFID-blocking wallets, and the broader need for VPNs to enhance online security in various scenarios.
