Privacy Concerns of Wireless Technologies

wireless is used generally to refer to several different technologies that allow devices to connect to one another without wires
- Radio Frequency Identification
- Bluetooth
- Near Field Communications

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to transmit data to a receiver.

is a way to identify unique items using radio waves
main purpose of RFID technology is to allow “tagged” items to be identified and tracked
devices that use this technology called a RFID tag or chip
many different uses:
- To track pets
- track inventory
- track people or their trips
most RFID tags do not contain a battery
- instead, tags are activated when a receiver is within range and sending out radio waves
- receiver initiates communication with the tag
- responds with self-identifying data
- possible to sniff the data if transmission is not secured
Individuals have very little control over the information contained on an RFID tag
poses privacy concerns in that it can track a person’s movements and daily habits
tracking can be completely secret if you do not know that the items you are carrying contain an RFID tag

Bluetooth, a short-range wireless communication, was designed to replace data cables that connect devices to one another.

Bluetooth compatible devices can pair/connect to each other
do not need Wi-Fi or cellular data networks to connect
information tracking and exposure is a concern
- connections are often visible to other Bluetooth users in the vicinity
- can make them identifiable targets for hackers

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that works only when two electronic devices are about 5 centimeters apart.

does not need to use Wi-Fi or a cellular network
Because devices have to be very close together for NFC to work,
- concerns about information exposure are somewhat mitigated
used for tasks such as making mobile payments from a mobile device