Tabel Of Content:
Why is RFID backpack protection required?
How does an RFID pocket work in travel backpacks?
Are RFID travel backpacks anti-theft?
Can I wash an RFID Travel Backpack?
Safety is a significant concern when it comes to any luggage. Whenever you travel on an international flight or daily commute, you will have some essential luggage you want to keep safe. Some of it will be precious, including your cash, smart cards, bank cards and documents. Therefore, having anti-theft properties in a backpack is beneficial, and it is worth investing in it. However, there is another danger that people don't realize regarding safety. These are illegal RFID scans, which can steal your personal and sensitive information off your smart cards. For this purpose, an RFID backpack can be convenient. But what exactly is RFID backpack protection? Why do I need it? We will address all these questions and more in the following article. Let's dive in.
You may have likely seen the RFID protection label in a bag and wondered what it even means. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and is a method of information transference. An object like a smart card will have an RFID tag in the form of a microchip that contains information. An RFID reader is used to get information from this tag, which transmits a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that powers the RFID tag. Once powered, the tag transmits back the information it holds to the reader. It is a smart system used in various applications, such as contactless payments, inventory management and anti-theft technology in stores to catch shoplifters.
While RFID technology is helpful, it can also be used illegally. Thieves can perform illegal RFID scans of backpacks and luggage and obtain sensitive information from the cards within. These cards can include ID cards, smart cards and credit cards. The stolen information can be used for identity theft, a serious problem as people can use your personal information to commit unauthorized actions and transactions. Such activities can get you wrongly incriminated, cost you time and money, and severely impact your credit scores. This is where RFID backpack protection can help, blocking these signals and protecting your smart cards from getting scanned. This protection exists in the form of RFID pockets in backpacks, within which you can put your cards prone to illegal RFID scans.
RFID pockets are designed to prevent illegal RFID scans from occurring. These pockets contain a special lining with them which is made from a unique material that blocks the radio signal emitted from RFID scanners. After all, this signal helps power the RFID tags to enable them to transmit the information back to the scanners. No information transference will occur if this signal does not reach the tag. Some backpacks will even have this special material lining the material of the bag itself for more comprehensive protection. However, most packs will have RFID protection pockets for a more efficient design. This way, the personal and sensitive information stored on your smart cards will be kept safe, and you will have peace of mind. Our wheeled laptop travel backpack collection has various anti-theft features, which include RFID protection backpack pockets.
A backpack having just RFID protection cannot be considered an anti-theft backpack. This is because information theft is just one side of the coin, as physical theft of belongings is another more common issue. However, most anti-theft backpacks will come equipped with RFID protection and other features. This includes:
At Everki, we understand that peace of mind is crucial for travellers. There are so many things that they have to worry about, which include worrying about thieves and pickpockets. This is why our backpacks and laptop bags come equipped with many anti-theft features we have mentioned. This consists of some of the best RFID backpacks you can find, ensuring your information is protected while travelling with functionality and style!
Yes, you can clean your RFID travel backpacks. Washing your bag does not affect the RFID pockets as long as you clean your pack gently. If you clean the backpack in a rigorous or unrecommended way, it can wear out the RFID lining within the pockets and damage the overall structure of the bag. This can leave it more vulnerable to illegal RFID scans and your backpack more prone to theft as its structural integrity is affected. It will also leave your laptop and technology vulnerable, as the protective padding within the bags can also get worn out. Some of the ways thieves can take advantage of this are to use the weaknesses of the backpack to tear it and get to your belongings. Furthermore, it may also affect the visibility of hidden pockets, which may become easier to spot.
This is why we recommend not washing a backpack in a washing machine, even if it is easier. However, if your bag does not have special padding, you can use a washing machine but only with gentle cycle settings with cold water. But first, you must check for a label in the backpack indicating it is machine washable. Also, never use an air dryer as it can lead to warping and shrinking, further damaging your RFID-protected backpack's integrity. Instead, it is best that you wash your bag by hand. We have prepared a guide enabling you to clean your backpack as easily and effectively as possible by hand. Click on the link to see the comprehensive guide on how to wash a backpack with RFID protection pockets.
Travelling with peace of mind is crucial, as there are various dangers, like thieves and pickpockets. However, there is another danger that not many people realize because it is unseen. These are illegal RFID scans that can lead to sensitive information being stolen from smart cards with microchips. This article has looked at what RFID is and why backpacks need RFID protection. This protection can prevent these illegal scans from occurring and prevent problematic situations from occurring related to identity theft. Our backpack collection has various anti-theft features, including RFID protection and secret pockets. We recommend getting these backpacks to ensure you can travel with comfort, safety and peace of mind. Thank you for reading!
RFID Backpack Protection - FAQs
How can I test if the RFID pocket in my backpack is working?
To test if the RFID pocket in your backpack is working, you can place an RFID-enabled card (such as a contactless credit card) inside the pocket and attempt to scan it using an RFID reader. If the card cannot be read while inside the RFID pocket, it indicates that the RFID-blocking materials are functioning correctly.
Are there any drawbacks or limitations to RFID backpack protection?
While RFID backpack protection is effective against unauthorized scanning, it's essential to be aware of certain limitations. Some advanced RFID readers can bypass certain types of RFID-blocking materials, although they are less common in everyday situations. Additionally, RFID protection does not prevent physical theft or other forms of data compromise, so it's important to maintain overall vigilance and practice good security habits.
Can I still use my RFID-enabled cards while they are inside the RFID pocket?
No, RFID-blocking pockets are designed to block radio frequency signals, which means that RFID-enabled cards or passports placed inside these pockets will not be accessible to RFID readers. To use your RFID-enabled cards, you will need to remove them from the RFID pocket or open the pocket flap to allow the RFID signal to pass through.
Do RFID-blocking backpacks interfere with airport security scans or metal detectors?
RFID-blocking materials used in backpacks do not typically interfere with airport security scans or metal detectors. They are designed to block specific radio frequency signals used in RFID technology, which are different from the frequencies used in airport security systems. Therefore, you can pass through security checkpoints without concerns about the RFID-blocking materials triggering alarms or causing interference.
Can RFID-blocking backpacks be hacked or bypassed?
While it is theoretically possible for advanced hackers to bypass or overcome RFID-blocking mechanisms, such instances are relatively rare in everyday scenarios. RFID-blocking backpacks use reliable and effective techniques to block RFID signals, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to read your RFID-enabled items without physical access to them.