If you have been to concerts, hotels, or theme parks, then it’s likely you’ve worn an RFID wristband before. Easy to use and widely available, one thing remains to be asked: are RFID wristbands safe?
To put it simply, yes. RFID wristbands are generally safe for most individuals. The technology involved is both tried and tested, and its regulation is quite tight. Whether it’s about your well-being, the confidentiality of your data, or other safety concerns, you can rest assured that RFID wristbands are safe. Here’s how.
What Is an RFID Wristband/Bracelet?
RFID means Radio Frequency Identification. An RFID bracelet has a microchip and an antenna enclosed in it. As soon as the chip comes within scanning range of a reader device, the microchip will send a signal containing small amounts of data (generally unique ID numbers) using radio waves.
The distance range is relatively short (a couple of centimeters up to one meter, depending on the frequency). The chip will not transmit data until it comes into contact with a reader device.
Most of them are passive and there are no batteries or GPS technology involved in this process. However, you can opt for an active one that is powered by a battery (only necessary for long range applications).
Are RFID Wristbands Safe to Wear on Your Body?
Yes. RFID wristbands transmit non-ionizing radiation, which belongs to the same general group as wireless Internet access, Bluetooth, and FM radio stations. Non-ionizing radiation lacks the necessary energy to cause harm to DNA or biological cells, which is the fundamental difference between this form of radiation and the damaging varieties such as X-rays or solar ultraviolet light.
The radio frequencies utilized are transmitted using low-energy emissions that comply with safety standards established by international health agencies like the WHO and ICNIRP. After extensive analysis of years of scientific studies, both organizations concluded that RFID exposure at low energy levels poses no identifiable risks to human health.
It is entirely safe to wear one directly on the skin for prolonged periods, including the duration of multiple-day festivals. It can be worn safely by people of all ages.
Are RFID Wristbands Suitable for Use During Festivals?
Yes, they are extremely suitable and safe. It is even safe during festivals because it is a more reliable method of securing your funds compared to having cash or cards that are more prone to loss. Let’s look at why they are suitable:
- The cashless system works by using your wristband instead of your wallet that may easily slip out in a mob.
- Smooth access control ensures fast and secure entry without the risk of fake tickets and long lines.
- Lost wristbands will be deactivated and reissued; therefore, your balance and access rights are not compromised.
- Limitation on spending amounts can be established beforehand; a feature that is beneficial to parents when handling kids’ budgets.
Is My Personal Data Safe on an RFID Wristband?
This is what people are worried about, and it is fair to question that. The good news is that current RFID wristbands for events contain minimal information on the chip itself.
It is usually just a unique identifier code which works as an access to the database of accounts located on their servers. Name, bank card info, and contact information are stored on the organizer’s server rather than recorded on the wristband itself.
Which means, in case your wristband was scanned without your consent, there will be no valuable information in there besides the string of characters.
There are still some precautions you can take:
- Register your wristband as soon as you get it. It will connect your wristband with your account and, therefore, keep the balance safe in case of theft or loss.
- If you happen to lose it, deactivate immediately via app or website of the festival.
- Although you can use RFID blocking wallets to block access of your data by criminals, festival wristbands have a special shorter wavelength; thus, the risk of skimming is very small.
Which Is Safer: NFC or RFID?
NFC (Near Field Communication) is in fact an implementation of RFID technology, running on 13.56 MHz and having a purposefully short transmission range of approximately 4 cm. The fact that the transmission range of NFC is so short means that, in general, NFC tends to be somewhat harder to skim remotely than other RFID frequencies that have larger ranges.
The vast majority of event wristbands today run on either NFC or HF RFID frequencies, both of which require the reader to be physically close to the wristband. In practice, there will be virtually no difference between NFC and high-frequency RFID wristbands in terms of security against attacks in normal circumstances.
Do RFID Wristbands Have Any Drawbacks?
It is important to note that while RFID wristbands are generally quite safe, there are several points of consideration to keep in mind:
- Personal Information Privacy. The wristband allows the organizers to track which access points and/or zones you used at their event. Organizers who adhere to good practices will make the data policy available online; it explains why certain data is collected, for what purposes, and for how long it is stored. It is always helpful to read it prior to attending the event.
- Skin Sensitivity. The material used to create RFID wristbands (fabric, silicone, or Tyvek paper) might irritate some users due to its material composition. Hypoallergenic options exist on the market; however, you can consult with the organizers beforehand.
- The Risk of Wristbands Being Stolen or Lost. An RFID wristband can be detached from your hand. Using a PIN or photograph-based identification adds a necessary extra layer of security in such cases.
These are issues you should consider when choosing RFID wristbands.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that RFID wristbands are completely safe and secure devices that millions of users rely on worldwide. Radio signals generated by them pose no danger to health, the amount of information contained within the chip is minimal, and the actual threat of any sort of skimming or hacking is almost nonexistent, especially in the case of modern NFC bands.
Just register your band when you get it, put it on your wrist like a regular watch, and be sure to enjoy all its features.
