Elecom intros skim prevention kit for wallet, cellphone

If you're down with the whole "swipeless" idea, but don't much dig the potential lack of security associated with it, Elecom's coming to the rescue in an attempt to put your paranoia to rest. The Skim Black I lineup of gear consists of a thin, wallet-based card and a not-so-elegant adornment for cellphones (pictured after the jump), both of which eliminate snoopers from jacking your precious information (or identity) by cutting off a reported 99.9-percent of radio waves. To be effective, the skim prevention card must be close to any swipeless cards in your wallet or pocket, while the bulkier SKM-K001 needs to be stuck on the rear of your mobile to effectively destroy the hopes of data thieves (and all stylistic appeal your handset previously had). Both units should be hitting Japan any day, and while the SKM-C001 wallet card will run you ¥1,260 ($11), the cellphone guardian will demand ¥2,310 ($20).

[Via AkihabaraNews]

[Jamar @ Jan 12th 2007 7:35AM]

Apparently Japan doesn't have an RFID passport yet or they'd probably have a skim barrier for passports too. At least most people don't have to worry about the cellphone guardian because apart from a couple of trials the States doesn't have a contactless system for phones yet.

[Aaron @ Jan 12th 2007 10:03AM]

Am I the only one here wondering why someone would pay $20 to block reception to their cellphone?

[kerunt @ Jan 12th 2007 10:07AM]

I bet these things are just empty pieces of plastic...

[Alan delon @ Jan 12th 2007 11:33AM]

I Will Wait to see this new tech, www.immuneid.com i dont want to carrie another barrier or set up a walet again in my life
check this out

[Tim UF @ Jan 12th 2007 11:58AM]

just don't put it in your new RFID enabled Passport~!

[Rusty @ Jan 12th 2007 3:18PM]

can't you just wrap your wallet in tin foil? ;)

[Gordie @ Jan 13th 2007 3:42PM]

Yeah, but then you'd need to get a new hat.

[Alan Delon @ Feb 4th 2007 2:55AM]

RFID Secutiry