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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [INTERNATIONAL]
2 clusters · 13 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated
Passport RFID security social media trend
Overview
A social media trend involving travelers wrapping passports in aluminum foil has emerged to prevent the theft of biometric data from RFID chips. This practice is driven by fears that criminals might use contactless readers to access sensitive information.
Security experts, including representatives from the German Federal Office for Information Security, have characterized the threat as “extremely unlikely,” noting that a reader must be in immediate proximity to the document to function. Furthermore, the International Civil Aviation Organization has noted that chips only release data when a reader inputs a specific code from the passport’s photo page.
Specialists warn that using aluminum foil is “superfluous and impractical.” Beyond being unnecessary for security, the practice can cause delays at border controls and may lead to physical damage, such as creasing or scratching, which could potentially invalidate the documents.
Entities
Federal Office for Information Security · Euronews · TikTok · International Civil Aviation Organization · Reddit
Timeline
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[INTERNATIONAL] 8 sourcesTravelers face rising costs and ineffective passport security trends
Travelers face rising vacation costs in Czechia and a questionable security trend involving wrapping passports in foil to protect biometric data, which experts deem unnecessary and potentially damaging.
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[TECHNOLOGY] 6 sourcesTravelers wrap passports in aluminum foil to prevent data theft
Travelers are wrapping passports in aluminum foil to prevent RFID data theft, but experts warn the practice is unnecessary and impractical for routine travel security.
Sources
blesk.cz · ceska-justice.cz · e15.cz · hrportugal.sapo.pt · kurir.rs · metropolitan.si · news.refresher.sk · novinky.cz · powolania.klaretyni.pl · sapo.pt · srpskainfo.com · tn.nova.cz · www1.pluska.sk