How to Block/kill RFID Chips

Intro: How to Block/kill RFID Chips

In this Instructable I will describe different ways to block or kill RFID tags. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. If you do not know about this technology yet, you should definitely start familiarizing yourself with it, because the number of different devices that utilize these types of tags is growing exponentially.

RFID chips are very similar to barcodes in the sense that a certain amount of data is contained within them, and then transmitted to a reading device which then processes and utilizes the information. The major difference is that barcodes have to be physically visible to the reading device, which is usually only able to scan them at a distance of a 12 inches or less. RFID tags, on the other hand, do not have to be visible to the reading device. They can be scanned through clothes, wallets, and even cars. The distance from which they can be read is also much greater than that of a barcode. At DEFCON an RFID tag was scanned at a distance of 69 feet, and that was back in 2005, the possible reading distance now is probably much greater than that.

There are a few different categories of RFID tags, but the most common ones, and the ones we will be dealing with in this instructable, are the "passive" type. Passive RFID chips contain no internal power supply. They contain an antenna which is able to have a current induced in it when within range of the RFID reader. The tag then uses that electricity to power the internal chip, which bounces its data back out through the antenna, where it will be picked up by the reader.

For more information on RFID tags check out the wikipedia entry.

STEP 1: Reasons for Blocking / Destroying RFID Chips

The main reason someone would want to block or destroy RFID chips would be to maintain privacy. In the last step I explained that RFID tags can be read from very long distances. The potential for abuse of this technology grows as more and more products and devices are being created with these tags built in.

Companies are getting consumers to blindly accept many RFID tagged products with the promise of convenience; however, most of the devices that contain RFID tags don't really need them. The tags may save a few seconds, but sacrifice an enormous amount of privacy and security. It is now possible for someone, with relatively simple equipment, to walk down a busy sidewalk and pickup the personal information of people carrying RFID tagged devices, without them even knowing.

Being able to block or destroy these chips allows people to decide what type of information they are willing to sacrifice for convenience.

STEP 2: Where Can RFID Chips Be Found

As RFID chips become cheaper, the number of devices that include them grows.

Currently there are RFID tags in:

- US passports: The RFID tag contains all the information that is written in the passport, along with a digital picture

- Transportation payments: Things like New York's EZ Pass, Florida's Sun Pass, and California's Fast Trak are all RFID based toll payment systems.

- Access control: Many buildings and schools require RFID tagged cards to be used for entry.

- Credit cards: Chase, and a few other banks, now issue credit cards embedded with RFID chips, called "blink". They are able to convince people it is an added convenience, but in reality it is a huge security risk.



There are many other devices which contain RFID tags; however, the ones listed are the most common and offer the greatest security risk.

STEP 3: How to Block a RFID Tag

Luckily RFID tag signals can easily be blocked. This means that you will have the option to use the tag whenever you want, and prevent others from being able to read it.

The signal sent out by a RFID tag is easily blocked by metal. This means that placing the RFID tag inside of a Faraday cage will prevent the information from being read.

There are already two Instructables on how to build RFID blocking containers:

RFID Secure Wallet

Make a RFID Shielding Pouch Out of Trash

Or if you would rather spend money on something you could build, head over to Think Geek for their RFID blocking wallet and RFID blocking Passport Holder.

STEP 4: How to Kill Your RFID Chip

In this step I will describe a few ways to permanently disable or kill an RFID chip. Most products that you own that contain RFID tags belong to you, so you have the right to destroy them; however, tampering with a US passport is a federal offense. Luckily there are ways to kill an RFID tag without leaving any evidence, so as long as you are careful, it would be pretty hard to prove that you did anything illegal.


-The easiest way to kill an RFID, and be sure that it is dead, is to throw it in the microwave for 5 seconds. Doing this will literally melt the chip and antenna making it impossible for the chip to ever be read again. Unfortunately this method has a certain fire risk associated with it. Killing an RFID chip this way will also leave visible evidence that it has been tampered with, making it an unsuitable method for killing the RFID tag in passports. Doing this to a credit card will probably also screw with the magnetic strip on the back making it un-swipeable.

-The second, slightly more convert and less damaging, way to kill an RFID tag is by piercing the chip with a knife or other sharp object. This can only be done if you know exactly where the chip is located within the tag. This method also leaves visible evidence of intentional damage done to the chip, so it is unsuitable for passports.

-The third method is cutting the antenna very close to the chip. By doing this the chip will have no way of receiving electricity, or transmitting its signal back to the reader. This technique also leaves minimal signs of damage, so it would probably not be a good idea to use this on a passport.

-The last (and most covert) method for destroying a RFID tag is to hit it with a hammer. Just pick up any ordinary hammer and give the chip a few swift hard whacks. This will destroy the chip, and leave no evidence that the tag has been tampered with. This method is suitable for destroying the tags in passports, because there will be no proof that you intentionally destroyed the chip.

Comments

[Suey]

What about implants in the body? How can you destroy them or block microwave weapons? I am suffering from these attacks. It’s real! Remote neural monitoring, Electronic torture and everyone who knows me knows I am not crazy. I even had a Psychiatrist said I was of sound mind. This started around 2018 how can I stop it?

[HelpforSunny]

Still experiencing this ? What new has happened ?

[sinclairdrez]

I'm going through the same thing it's horrible! Concrete blocks everything on the electromagnetic spectrum! Foil only strengthens the signal! Ground yourself to Earth's frequency 7.83 take your Robert shoes off get off the concrete get on some soil even hugging a tree grounds you! Even acupuncture release's electricity in your body and pressure points releases it from your nerves system!

[elrod16]

No offense meant, but I work in medical technology and this simply isn't feasible. Consider how technology that only can read the most basic of neural information must be directly connected to your head. I would advise getting multiple opinions as far as mental health providers.

[loliarroyo37]

Hi! Sorry for the random question. I had two tickets for Lollapalooza (they have RFID chips) but my idiot sister wanted to get a refund for hers (they asked her to send a picture of the chip cut in half). When the refund appeared it was for the full price of the purchase and they say “both wristbands are not valid anymore”. Now I’m wondering if they can actually “cancel” my wristband remotely as well (it’s in perfect condition).

[gustavio101]

Okay, let's remove the magic.
Your wristband holds a small circuit with a very small memory containing a unique number. The wristband itself is passive, meaning it does not have it's own source of power. The wristband is wirelessely charged by the readers radio waves when it comes close enough so that it can operate during the time of reading. When the wristband is charged it spits out its number via an antenna which may then be picked up by the reader.

The wristband is only one key, that key exists within some computer at Lollapalooza and the reader only accepts keys which exists within their system.

So to answer your question: Yes it is very easy to remove your access from Lollapalooza without ever accessing your wristband, they simple remove that number from their system.

[eallin1]

You can BLOCK them with tinfoil or heavy mylar and it's STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for things like passports, security passes, etc.

You can FRY THEM with the flash on a disposable camera. The EMP's will cook them... not recommended on PASSPORTS or things that you already signed on for without knowing exactly what you were getting into. That's more for things like the ones HIDING IN YOUR CAR TIRES (you didn't get the memo on that one yet?) or the kind inside of DVDs, clothing, cosmetics or a million other places that you never knew about, asked for or approved of.

Just think, 10 years from now when you go to apply for a job and you tell them that you were living in say, Arizona. They call you back and tell you that "according to your RFID logs, you hadn't moved until NINE years ago"!

"We've checked the RFID logs for all of the red Toyota within a ten mile radius of where a robbery occurred FIVE YEARS AGO... your name came up. We want you to come down to the station and explain what you were doing... "

... ALREADY HAPPENING.

"But... but I didn't do anything!"

"Yea, buddy... tell it to the judge!"

1. They've already invaded everyone's privacy and security without anyone's consent...

2. For anyone who thinks they "won't do it" please read #1 again.

"Anything you say can and WILL be used AGAINST YOU in a court of law (not FOR you). Now, YOU don't have to say a word, your RFID chip will do the talking for you... FOREVER.

That in and of itself is a GREAT reason to get a cheapo RFID detector, and FRY any of them hanging around that you aren't being forced to use. Unless you WANT little tidbits of your personal info hanging out there for the brother and the hackers of the world to get a hold of...

[sinclairdrez]

No foil only strengthens the signal enless it's grounded! Concrete blocks everything on the electromagnetic spectrum!

[xanwalker]

Hi. You are smart and very aware. Yes the tires. Not only inside the tires but on the inside of the wheel as well. They put magnets on the wheels to slow your driving. They look like black thick strips.

[ndurgan7]

Do high strength magnets (neodymium ) like in A HDD work to deactivate these as well?

[sinclairdrez]

No but concrete blocks everything on the electromagnetic spectrum

[elrod16]

No, the antenna is only responsive to certain frequencies such as 125 khz and uses an induced AC current. A magnet will not provide this.

[MiracleWordDesi]

the way you'll know about the chip is by experience. my son in law had my grandson chipped for several reasons b4 2 yrs old now can use a cell phone like a remote control to make him say anything i looked and the boys eyes were cameras. the chip was put in his central nervous system. he cannot develop or do anything but is under complete control

[rahthuexU]

Lol chill out granny, who ever told you that is obviously lying, i can assure you as an engineer and scientist that technology of that advanced capability has not yet been created and is way beyond our reach

[elrod16]

As a biomedical researcher I can confirm that in 2022, we still don't have anything close to that. I'd have to say that that is a mental health problem.

[NUNYAB2]

Hi Everyone. Just a quick tip. I also have implants and if you are lucky and the implants are close to the surface of the skin, they can be made not to work or disrupt the signal by using earth magnets. If you can find the implants on your body, place or tape some strong earth magnets to the area & you will notice a difference. There are 2 lb, 3 lb, 5 lb, 10 lb earth magnets and you can also get them out of old hard drives. You can also buy them for about a buck a piece at most surplus stores. The Areas of your body to check first are your feet, hands, collar bone areas, behind left & right ears, pads/souls of feet, between toes & fingers. Good Luck & God Bless All. Let me know what happens.

P.S. - By the way Berzerker or Berjerkoff.......whatever your name is......I hope you can hear & see what your girlfriend is doing to me........haha LMFAO.

[Gadget93]

What the hell are you guys talking about, "body chips."

[elrod16]

Honestly, in all seriousness, most are probably schizophrenic/schizoaffective.

[Hackless]

First of all, thanks for the great article , and interesting comments too. I have seen some articles talking about Microsoft nano chips being included in the Covid vaccines. Now I'm not saying this is true, but if it was, how could we know? In comments, it said RFID could be detected with x-ray or MRI or CT scan, but what about nano chip? If it works like RFID, would there be a specific frequency that would be used to detect its presence (and yours)? If all who get vaccines have a nano chip, is there any way to fry something like that once it is inside you? Because of its small size, what exactly could something like this do, just prove you had taken the vaccine or could there be more that could be done with it? I understand this could all be theoretical, but honestly, if we are thinking of it, then others looking to serve their own interests are thinking of it too.
I would really appreciate some intelligent thoughts on the matter. I have wondered if some non-fatal electrical current could cripple such a chip.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[elrod16]

Chips that small that broadcast information simply don't exist. Remote read chips require antenna with specific dimensions to be able to intercept and generate a current from the radio waves. Furthermore, something that small would have a few bits of storage capacity, a byte or two at best and only be accessible by basically touching you. Just because someone can think of something doesn't mean it is possible. I can think about flying a jetpack to Saturn, doesn't mean it will ever happen.