German privacy hackers develop RFID zapper, Destroys passive RFID tags

[cyberpj]

German privacy hackers develop RFID zapper

Destroys passive RFID tags at a glance

By Nick Farrell: Thursday 05 January 2006, 10:39

A GROUP of German privacy hackers have come up with a portable device that can wipe a passive RFID-Tag permanently.
While it is known that RFID tags could be wiped, it usually took some fairly cumbersome microwave gear to get the job done, and the result could damage whatever the tag was installed on.

But, according to the group’s website here, two developers have managed to make a functioning prototype and produce plans that everyone can use to build their own RFID-Zapper.

The site says that RFID-Tags are likely to further threaten and compromise the privacy of consumers.

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=28737

[bemildred]

1. Good. I hope it's cheap. nt

[Kellanved]

2. I would not simply call the CCC "a group of German privacy hackers"

The Chaos Computer Club is the premiere open hacker group in Germany, probably in Europe. It is certainly one of the most influential and oldest hacker groups in the world.

[RC]

3. ...can be installed into a €7 camera.

The developers say the device can be installed into a €7 camera. We assume it might also be jolly useful for shoplifters. µ

[FormerDittoHead]

4. I'm all for doing this ONCE YOU GET HOME....

If you follow this issue, they can use RFID tags to track your specific USAGE of products all the way to the trash yard. For certain items, one can look upon this device as an 'electronic shredder' ONCE YOU BUY THE THING.

HOWEVER, RFID tags are the "tipping point" for my opening up a "$5 below" store in our little town which has a lot of teens in it after 3 PM.

The RFID's will make the store feasible (get investors) because I won't have to worry so much about shoplifting.

If I catch someone in my store 'zapping' tags on merch they haven't bought with some concealed portable device (as this seems to be), however, I will have them arrested for destroying private property.