Anonymizer
From doktorsleepless
An anonymizer is a device that renders RFID tags inoperable. It is so named for devices that specifically target ID tags, although a device need not be selective about which tags it disables to be an anonymizer. The anonymizer mask is one such device, notable for anonymizing the wearer against surveillance cameras as well as ID tag readers.
Methods of accomplishing this are varied and depend heavily on the particulars of the RFID tech being affected. However, all methods will fall into one of the following broad categories:
- Permanently disable a given tag. First-generation RFID chips could be destroyed by placing them in a microwave oven for a few seconds. ID tags are likely hardened against some such tampering, but no protections are absolute. Tags subjected to these methods cannot be turned back on; they can only be replaced.
- Temporarily disable a given tag. First-generation tags can be disabled (without destroying the tag) by disrupting the transmission. This can be accomplished by placing it in a Faraday cage to block transmissions to and from the tag, or by broadcasting disruptive radio signals so any RFID transmissions are lost in the noise. Later-generation tags may contain enough computing power for hacking attacks to be effective (for example, hacking the tag to accept a specially-coded on/off message). The anonymizer mask utilizes a method in this category.
- Disable all tag readers. This is probably the most difficult to accomplish in practice, but pulling it off could anonymize everyone in the now-readerless area. Or it could be done so the anonymizing is selective: tag readers are not restricted to low-power computing, and may be linked to a computer network, so hacking attacks are more feasible.
