How to Protect Your RFID Enabled Passport Buffalo NY

Since 2006, the United States has started issuing passports with an RFID chip in them. European and select other countries had them longer. The problem is that your personal data can get read from your passport at a distance, without anyone ever opening, touching, or even coming close to your passport.

Local Companies

Buffalo Charters Inc.
(716) 856-6696
79 Marine Dr.
Buffalo, NY
C-ME Marine Sales
(716) 837-5232
1850 Hertel Ave.
Buffalo, NY
Liberty /Yellow Cab
716-877-7111
1524 Kenmore Ave
Buffalo, NY
QUEEN CITY TAXI
716 874-5050
89 WILBURY PLACE
BUFFALO, NY
Prior Aviation Service, Inc.
(716) 633-1000
Buffalo Niagara Int'l. Airport
Buffalo, NY
Fast Track Airport Parking
(716) 633-6040
4099 Genesee St.
Cheektowaga, NY
Maid of The Mist Corporation
(716) 284-8897
151 Buffalo Ave., Ste. 204
Niagara Falls, NY
The Mob Tours
716-578-4939
Buffalo Ave and First Street
Niagara Falls, NY
Travel Team Inc the
(716) 635-0765
Buffalo, NY
Hickory Bonway Travel
(716) 636-0202
50 Fountain Plz
Buffalo, NY

Provided By:

Steps

  1. Determine if your passport has an RFID chip in it. If on the cover there is a rectangle with a circle and a line through it, then it definitely contains an RFID chip and can be read from a distance.
  2. Decide if you want to merely be passively cautious, actively protect your data, or permanently disable the RFID chip in your passport.
  3. If you want to be cautious:
    • The passport cover will provide some shielding to the RFID chip inside. However, it does no good if it is open.
    • If you carry your passport around loosely in your purse, make sure you store it so that it is closed. Even a slightly opened passport increases the ability to have its chip read.
    • When carrying your passport in your pocket, make sure it is closed
  4. If you want to actively protect our data:
    • Get a shielded case for your passport and use it actively whenever you travel with your passport
    • Alternatively, you can wrap your passport in aluminum foil. This works just fine, but is not convenient and quite unsightly
  5. If you want to disable it permanently:
    • Microwave your passport for a couple seconds - this will fry the chip.
    • If you can determine exactly where the chip is, a sharp blow of a hammer will disable it

Tips

  • RFID Shielding Products:
  • http://www.emvelope.com/products/show/7
  • http://www.rfid-shield.com/
  • http://www.magellans.com/store/New_Products___Fall_2008___Travel_EssentialsLB192?Args=
  • http://www.passport-stronghold.com/products.html

Warnings

  • Physically damaging your passport is probably against the law of the country that issued it. While it will be close to impossible to determine whether or not you intentionally defaced your passport, you should bear this in mind.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Protect Your RFID Enabled Passport. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Featured Local Company

Buffalo Charters Inc.

(716) 856-6696
79 Marine Dr.
Buffalo, NY

Related Local Events
Christmas in the Village & Tour of Historic Homes
Dates: 12/5/2009 - 12/6/2009
Location: Center Street
Lewiston, NY
View Details

Marble Orchard Ghost Walks
Dates: 10/31/2009 - 10/31/2009
Location: The Courtyard
Lewiston, NY
View Details

Marble Orchard Ghost Walks
Dates: 10/24/2009 - 10/24/2009
Location: The Courtyard
Lewiston, NY
View Details

Ghost Walk at Oakwood Cemetery
Dates: 10/24/2009 - 10/24/2009
Location: Niagara Arts and Cultural Center
Niagara Falls, NY
View Details

Marble Orchard Ghost Walks
Dates: 10/17/2009 - 10/17/2009
Location: The Courtyard
Lewiston, NY
View Details