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PROTECT YOUR DATA - RFID PROTECTION

RFID chips are used in many areas. They are built into smartphones, key cards and electronic ID, amongst other things. Girocards and credit cards are also equipped with RFID technology for transmitting data. They enable you to pay small sums without entering a PIN or providing a signature. All you have to do is hold your card on the reader at the till. Contactless payment is very practical, although it comes with a certain risk. What exactly is RFID? And is the protection really reliable?

WHAT IS RFID?

The acronym RFID stands for radio frequency identification, i.e. identification via electromagnetic waves. RFID systems always consist of a transponder and a writer/reader. The transponders of a system can be both active and passive. Active transponders possess their own energy source and can transmit data over further distances. Passive transponders draw the energy needed for transmitting data from the electromagnetic field of the writer/reader.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RFID AND NFC?

NFC stands for near field communication. This technology is based on RFID. Strictly speaking, NFC is used when a contactless payment is made at the till – whether with a card or a smartphone. An important difference with RFID is that data transmission is only possible over a few centimetres. This guarantees better protection of data. Plus, data can be changed on an NFC transponder. This means, for example, that your smartphone can act like your credit card at the supermarket till.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THIS TECHNOLOGY?

To a certain extent, there is a risk that RFID or NFC can make data theft possible. Theoretically, criminals can skim sensitive data via the card’s radio chip. An appropriate reader and a short distance is required for this. In practice, data transmission is relatively safe, especially when using electronic personal ID. To skim data from such ID, hackers need, along with the technical prerequisites, a special security certificate from the German Federal Office of Administration (BVA). There is a slightly higher residual risk of data misuse when using girocards and credit cards. The risk can be reduced with RFID blockers, which are available as protective covers, amongst other things. A purse with integrated RFID protection is best for securing several cards at once.

HOW DOES RFID PROTECTION WORK?

An RFID blocker is relatively reliable for preventing unauthorised data being skimmed. The blocker consists of a protective layer, which is integrated in the card holder or the purse. The layer offers double-protection: on the one hand, it blocks the signal that affects the chip externally; on the other hand, it dampens the response signal of the chip. According to German consumer organisation Stiftung Warentest, RFID blockers provide reliable protection. Test results prove that around 99 percent screening is achieved.

PRACTICAL AND SAFE

To make payments with girocards and credit cards even safer, LIEBESKIND BERLIN has equipped all the purses in the new collections with RFID protection. But this doesn’t mean you have to make any compromises on design. The RFID blockers are integrated in the purses, meaning they are invisible. As you would expect from LIEBESKIND BERLIN, the purses are crafted from high-quality leathers with premium workmanship. The protection is not noticeable in terms of weight either. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for a small or large purse with an RFID blocker, a purse with a large coin compartment or one with lots of card slots – the protection is always the same.

FIND YOUR PURSE WITH ADDED PROTECTION

At LIEBESKIND BERLIN you’ll find a wide selection of purses in various designs. Looking for a small, compact purse for your evening bag or one with enough space for receipts, business cards and customer cards? Would you like a simple purse that goes with all your bags or are you after one to go with your favourite handbag? At LIEBESKIND BERLIN you’ll find the one for you – guaranteed. Plus, along with bags, our collections also include accessories like purses and key-rings. You can also learn how to maintain the quality and appearance of the leather for as long as possible in our guide to Leather Care and Cleaning.

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