Because I’m a computer security guy, I have friends who like to show off their new RFID-blocking wallets and purses. “Look what I got for Christmas!” they say. My lack of response should be telling, but they don’t seem to pick up on it.
They’ve seen the TV ads about malicious hackers who can “stand on any street corner” and wirelessly steal their credit card and other identity information. I’ve seen similar demonstrations at Black Hat and other computer security conferences for nearly a decade now. They never fail to wow the audience.
An entire, multi-billion-dollar RFID-blocking industry has emerged. You can get RFID blocking for almost any object you own. Some of my friends have so much faith in RFID-blocking products that they buy expensive, customized purses and wallets. These are the same people who drive extra miles to save a few cents on gas.
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