Privacy Pitfalls in No-Swipe Credit Cards

Nrbelex writes to mention a New York Times article about the privacy pitfalls of 'no-swipe' credit cards. Despite assurances from the card companies, researchers Tom Heydt-Benjamin and Kevin Fu were able to easily retrieve data from the new cards ... data available without encryption and in plain text. From the article: "They could skim and store the information from a card with a device the size of a couple of paperback books, which they cobbled together from readily available computer and radio components for $150. They say they could probably make another one even smaller and cheaper: about the size of a pack of gum for less than $50. And because the cards can be read even through a wallet or an item of clothing, the security of the information, the researchers say, is startlingly weak. 'Would you be comfortable wearing your name, your credit card number and your card expiration date on your T-shirt?' Mr. Heydt-Benjamin, a graduate student, asked."

Geeks Rejoice!

[narftrek]

FINALLY! Us geeks have something to be happy about. For once we can walk confidently sporting our tinfoil wallets and WE'LL be the ones laughing...all teh way to the bank!

If you are innocent

[aadvancedGIR]

...then you have nothing to hide, right? So why are you bothering hiding your credit card from the other law abiding citizens, are you a terrorist?

A new line of accessories is in order

[Dr Strangelove]

Lead-lined sleeves for credit cards, driver's licences, passports, and airport visitor tags. In an assortment of new colors for our autumn lineup!

Re:Pickpocketing at a new level

[jbourj]

Pickpocketing used to be a skilled profession---requiring years of practice [wikipedia.org] and subtle hands [wikipedia.org]. Where is the 'art' in scanning frequencies while sitting next to someone? I know, I'm old-fashioned: but I miss the good-old-times when you could feel them doing it.

Re:Pickpocketing at a new level

[chrismcdirty]

I miss the good-old-times when you could feel them doing it.

Or not feel them doing it.

Re:A new line of accessories is in order

[megastructure]

Along with your lead codpiece, you're all set for the apocalypse.

Re:You mean...

[Feanturi]

She swiped a card with a man's name on it, and they didn't ask to see ID,

You've got to be more observant, it's the adam's apple that's the give-away you know.

Re:Why are we upgrading again?

[Anonymous Coward]

Shake your ass???

Please don't let my mom have one of these. Horror would ensue.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to lobotomize that vision from my existence.

Re:You mean...

[Sax Maniac]

Keep on doing that, just as long as you don't buy a big-screen TV [zug.com].

Re:Pickpocketing at a new level

[Foobar of Borg]

I miss the good-old-times when you could feel them doing it.

Or not feel them doing it.

It's like sex, except I'm having it!

Never before has your sig been more appropriate :-)