2007.05.27
RFID Blocking Passport Wallets
Recently I asked for advice on where to find some sort of wallet for my new RFID embedded passport to prevent some random data jacker from stealing my data. I know I’m not alone in thinking RFID enabled passports is a bad idea.
That being said, it’s not like we have any choice in the matter. These things are being issued now.
So here are a few links to ways of protecting your spanking new chipped passport. Paraben Forensic Tools has an ugly but utilitarian looking bag. Travelon has a sporty ballistic nylon coated case. If you’re more into style, though, then you’ve got to get either the DIFRwear leather case or Kena Kai’s slightly fancier leather passport wallet. All of these are supposed to protect that RFID chip from being casually scanned, which is great news since I’m sure the thing will be completely hackable before the passport’s 10 year expiration date.
I bought the Travelon because I think anything ballistic is right up my alley.
Categorized: fashion technology
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5 Responses to “RFID Blocking Passport Wallets”
- Dongle Dog says (May 27th, 2007 at 21:06:14 )
Really, why bother? Why not just disable the RFID (extremely easy)? Yes, it’s probably illegal, but how the hell is anyone ever going to be able to prove the thing didn’t just “cease to function”…like the mag-stripe on a state ID that *accidentally* got left on one of those “loss-prevention” device disabler thingies at a checkout counter. Tower Records on Market used to de-mag your state ID as a courtesy if you asked. Not that I ever asked or anything.
- douglas says (May 27th, 2007 at 21:27:55 )
Well, Dongle, it’s precisely because it’s illegal. You and I might have a sense of humor about the whole thing but customs officials in other countries are not and personally I’d rather not go through a body cavity search (maybe your thing, not mine) only to be booted out of the country I intend on visiting.
- NHK says (May 27th, 2007 at 21:55:11 )
I think perhaps you’re being a bit paranoid as lots of RFID chips do, over time, simply cease to function (in which case the authorities just swipe the machine-readable page of the passport). I say play dumb and talk about spending money doing touristy crap in the country you want to enter…it’s worked for me over the years when I’ve run into snotty/overly suspicious passport checkers. Unless you’re entering a country where you have right-of-abode or full citizenship; then you should just glare and adopt a monotone, answering all questions curtly.
I think the cavity searches are pretty rare, btw, as I’ve only met one person in my entire life who’s been subjected to said indignity.
Still, enjoy the new accessory!
- NHK says (May 27th, 2007 at 22:06:38 )
Oooo. I like the Kena Kai wallet.
- douglas says (May 27th, 2007 at 22:16:07 )
It only takes one person getting searched the wrong way for me to know that it could happen to me, and I’d rather not tempt fate. Too often I have all the wrong luck.
And I’m not surprised you like the most stylish, most expensive wallet. Not surprised one bit…
