Random tip: remove the RFID chip in your credit card

Remove the security vulnerability from your credit card by removing the RFID chip inside it.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• rfid
• credit card

[hagbard72]

How do you even use your card after you do this if you need to enter a pin number? The chip controls that too.

[dotben]

@hagbard72 it's not a chip & pin card like the ones in Europe. We don't have that system in USA.

The 'chip' in this card is an RFID chip, not a gold surface mounted chip like chip-and-pin.

[hagbard72]

@dotben Well, I have the pay-pass and it also works with a PIN number. I'm just concerned if I remove the RFID the card won't work for the PIN (which is required for instore purchase). I live in Canada btw, so it would be the same as the US.

[dotben]

@hagbard72 oh I see, my bad. Yes, it will totally break and destroy pay pass because that's exactly what that chip is for!

My point, in the video, is that the concept is insecure and that the RFID can be used to track you even if a specific transaction request isn't made.

These systems will only become secure when they're more widely built into mobile phones rather than cards, where a second stage of authentication and confirmation is built in to the phone itself

[yvettegr]

You could use a paper punch. However, store clerks are not supposed to take tampered cards in payment. If they don't see it has been tampered with because you're at a terminal then you'll probably be okay. But if you have to hand it to a clerk then they might confiscate it and cut it in half.

The other solution is to just ask your bank or credit card company to give you an RFID card without a chip on it. Simple. They do provide old-fashioned credit cards with just a magnetic strip.

[dotben]

@yvettegr never had a problem using the card - and had it like this for years. Honestly, I don't think most shop-clerks could care really.

[ArtworkbyMosier]

if your card company sent you one send it back to them, tell them to cram it up their fucking god damn ass holes! and to send you another card without the chip bullshit on it, if they refuse. cut that fucking card out in a way that spells FUCK U and mail it back to them tell them to close your account out! and to kiss your ass! and open another card thru another company that dont use that chip bullshit and if they all use it, then learn to live without a god damn interest jacking credit card.

[dotben]

@UltraDOG17 is what real? pardon my ignorance

[SnowTao]

If you need to 'fill in' the hole, use superglue and then sand it smooth (after it's long-dried...). That will make the card smooth, and no one will notice the "hole" cause there won't be one.

[therealhuy]

What's the shirt about? Looks cool!

[fingerstylefan]

Here's a concept........USE CASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[soccer9870]

@ConspiracyCult people actually do that they talked about it on the discovery channel once and how they read your card right through your pocket and wallet.

[ConspiracyCult]

couldn't people build RFID readers and sap your bank account dry by just waving it over your wallet? That seems really insecure.

[frogsoda]

@Vonlava Naa Burning plastic stinks and it makes the trees sad. Plus that RFID chip can explode if heated too much.(Ok I made that last part up. But it sounds like a good rumor to start) >;~)

[frogsoda]

@Vonlava ..Burning plastic smells bad. and makes the trees sad. Plus that RFID chip can explode if it gets too hot.( OK I made that last part up, but it sounds like a good rumor to get started.) >;~)

[Vonlava]

@seanriddolls its not active now is it?

[Vonlava]

@TheHemlock77 that would ruin the mag strip and possibly melt the card if left in too long

[Vonlava]

@frogsoda i disagree. burning is more effective and easier