Credit Cars, secured or not secured?

I remember a time when all you needed was the credit card number and expression date to run up any charges (legitimate or not). Then additional security measures were added. Companies added the need for a name, then the billing zip code, then the billing address, and the + 3 code on the back.

In the 1980's, clothing stores added radio frequency identity tags (RFID) to clothing merchandise to prevent shoplifting. Soon smaller sticker chips were developed and added to tapes and CDs. The potential of this technology soon became clear, (at least to the retail companies). But this technology was expanded.

The RFID only works with computers. The signal being given off means nothing unless a computer, with a scanner, is programed with the relevant information. With the advancement of computer and RFID scanning technology, RFID use expanded beyond preventing shoplifting.

Scientists began using RFID implant chips on wildlife to track animals in the wild.

About ten years ago, one bank began using RFID chips in their credit and check cards. The Tap-and-Go scanner was developed to make this work. I once had a card issued from one back seven years ago. (I don't have that card anymore.) Mostly I did not use this feature.

Cell phone technology used a gold chip integrated into a credit card like card with a punch out card to insert into the cell phone. This chip completed the circuit of the cell phone instructing it as to who telephone number it is and was service it functions on. This same chip idea was adapted by the Department of Defense. I worked for the DoD and was issued an ID chip card to access the computers and allow me access into secured areas.

Now we see the combination of all this technology being used in many credit cards. Currently I heard people and the news saying it is mandated to have this RFID chip as part of every credit and debit card.

Currently my bank don't use the RFID chips in their cards. So I don't have a chip card.

I have researched this new chip technology. First thing, it is supposed to be safer. The method certainly makes it after, and would cut down on data breaches. But they still have the RFID feature.

I'm sure most people have seen advertisements on television about card reader blocking technology. This technology takes advantage of the scanning feature RFID was originally developed for.

For those who have the chip, RFID blocking technology does exist and work. But if you don't have a chip card, don't worry about identity thieves and their card scanning technology. A traditional swipe card can only be read buy passing by a magnetic strip reader.

What is a magnetic strip reader, you many be wondering. If you look at a cassette tape player, you will see a rounded metal device that comes down and comes in contact with the tape. This 'tape technology' is the same technology the magnetic strip on the back of credit and debit cards are based on. In some card swiping machines, (at shopping stores), you can see the metal magnetic reading device sticking into the swipe path where you slide your card.

Amazing how these different technologies come together.

So is this new RFID chip card safer? The process of charging your account may have gotten safer at the check out counter, but card scanning thieves can still scan your card information right out of your wallet if you don't have the RFID blocking technology in your wallet.

Lets look into the future.

This same technology being used to track wild animals is being developed for humans. You can get an RFID sub-dermis implant. It can be used like a credit card Tap-and-Go with all your personal information.

Let's explore this.

For the military, it can ensure secure access to areas of military installations using a RFID scanner, (like the place I once worked). It can be programed with your banking information, therefore replacing your credit and debit cards. Along with this, it can be programed with your identity, therefore replacing your passports, driver licenses, and other forms of ID cards. Of course if you want to do online shopping, you would need a QR code to scan with your computer or cell phone camera. The only logical way to have this QR code is to be tattooed on your arm or hand.

Hmm... Sounds like Revelation 13:16-17: And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.