Researchers developing anti-RFID device
Ever wonder if you'd object to currency, clothing, or even your body getting embedded with an RFID chip? The idea isn't that far-fetched, and it's just a matter of time before something you own is tagged. Joining a growing list of RFID-shielders, Vrije University's Andrew Tanenbaum, an anti-RFID advocate, is pressing forward with a team of researchers in Amsterdam to finalize a palm-sized device that would block incoming RFID searches and alert the user that they just about got violated. The RFID Guardian is powered by a 550MHz XScale processor (as found in many PDAs) with 64MB of RAM and runs on the eCos open source OS. The mechanics are pretty complex, but the short of it is the Guardian uses "standard authentication algorithms from cryptography" to recognize RFID readers and to accomplish its two primary objectives: tag spoofing and tag jamming, both of which prevent your RFID tagged object from being identified. The likelihood of mainstream adoption of the device is probably slim, but if your paranoia gets the best of you the RFID Guardian can keep the digital violators at bay. There's currently no estimated price as finalized specs have yet to be determined, but just to get a better idea of its design, peep a picture of the prototype after the break.
[Via Personal Tech Pipeline]
Filed under: Wireless
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
kernel_panic @ Jul 22nd 2006 4:54PM
The problem with this is that if they put RFID tags in money and the guy-behind-the-counter is checking the cash you just gave him, his system is going to report that the money is conterfeit if you use this device.
Wyatt_Z @ Jul 22nd 2006 4:55PM
Isn't this illegal as far as FCC interference regulations go?
CheesyChimp @ Jul 22nd 2007 11:37AM
Wyatt_Z, you speak as if legality is more important than the ethics laws were created to serve. Should you adhere to an unjust law?
abigsmurf @ Jul 22nd 2006 5:55PM
would be better off wearing a coat with a built in faraday cage.
Heck you could just line a pocket with one for next to nothing
TheZodiac @ Jul 22nd 2006 7:50PM
Dont use paper money.
xenokilla @ Jul 22nd 2006 9:41PM
Dale Gribble is going to want one of these, and a full faraday cage suit? thats a lot of tin foil!
TorontoGuy @ Jul 22nd 2006 11:24PM
Hey, I wondered what happened to all of the 'anti-Fluoridation" crackpots...I guess they all went digital!
bryan w @ Jul 23rd 2006 12:49AM
Or you could just pick up something from http://www.emvelope.com
RedBull Runner @ Jul 23rd 2006 10:46AM
"Isn't this illegal as far as FCC interference regulations go?"
Incase You Didn't Read the article, This is being developed in amsterdam... Our FCC Doesnt Regulate Them.
lakiolen @ Jul 23rd 2006 11:43AM
Does it say "You've been violated, girly man", complete with the proper accent, when it alerts you?
Perrey Z. @ Jul 23rd 2006 4:51PM
After reading a Bennetton Article about how they are planning to add these RFID to their garments i became anti-RFID instantly. I appreciate my privacy VERY much and i won't tolerate my rights to be a free individual be jeopardized by a bunch of corrupt politicians, individuals and corporations who have nothing better to do than spy of me and track every more i make.
teo @ Jul 23rd 2006 8:17PM
better turn off your rfid jammer if you're going through a toll booth, or you'll get a ticket for not paying.
rob @ Jul 25th 2006 9:01PM
"just about got violated" ??
I dropped out of art school and I'm pointing out your grammatical errors.
Walt @ Jul 26th 2006 4:23PM
You need to get the sleeves from Identity Stronghold for your credit cards, id cards and passports.
http://www.idstronghold.com