RFID scare, hype, etc.

RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification)

I saw a story today about a software engineer that hammered his RFID loaded gasoline credit card because he saw the gas pump he swiped it by state “Authorising” and got the idea others could read it and use it without his knowledge.

Now, a gas company representative stated that one would have to be within 2 inches of the pump in order for it to read.

But then again, the wireless technology used in wireless routers, and laptops is supposed to be able to handle a maximum of about 300 feet - yet I have seen that $12.00 worth of homemade equipment can carry that same signal for 5 miles - 3 years ago.

So who do you want to believe?

Either way, the debate is heating up. Even the European Union has a commision studying RFID and it’s security threats (and/or lack thereof.)