RFID blocking definition
RFID blocking is the process of using special wallets, sleeves, passport covers, and other objects that limit RFID scanning. RFID stands for “radio frequency identification.” Credit cards and passports use RFID technology to allow machines to scan them from a short distance. This system enables contactless payment, but it can be vulnerable to attack. For example, a criminal standing nearby or walking past you can use a RFID scanner to withdraw money from your account.
Do you need RFID blocking?
Contactless cards cap at relatively low sums — and the user can usually set the limit themselves. If you’re worried about someone using a scanner to steal your money, set your card to require authentication before releasing funds.
While an attacker may use a scanner to steal your credit card’s number, they won’t get the security code or the expiration date this way — both of which they need if they want to use your card.
Stealing personal information from your passport or credit card is not worth the risk. Hackers' forums have tons of breached data that includes people’s names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and credit card information. Criminals risk less by buying this information online than they do brushing past someone and hoping they will get valuable data.
