Data Protection Day 2019: 7 products that can help protect your data

Safeguarding your data is more important than ever

(Getty/iStock)

In today’s digitally-charged day and age, the prospect of cyber crime can seem far more threatening than the idea of getting pickpocketed on the street.

Data Protection Day is observed around the world every year on 28 January to encourage consumers to become more conscious of looking after their data.

In 2017, a cyber attack committed against retailer Dixons Carphone resulted in an estimated 10 million customer records containing personal data being obtained by hackers.

Various retail companies have designed products with radio frequency identification (RFID) blocking technology in an effort to prevent or reduce the risk of data theft.

RFID uses electromagnetic fields and radio waves to identify and track “tags” or “labels” attached to an object that contain electronic information.

This means that anyone carrying objects such as electronic passports and credit cards that can be accessed using RFID could be in danger of having personal information stolen by unlawful individuals.

Some argue that RFID blocking technology shouldn’t be marketed as being foolproof, as it may not be able to guarantee complete protection from hackers.

However, as wallet manufacturer The Wallet Shoppe explains, RFID blocking products can benefit consumers by reducing the risk of electronic products being “skimmed” and the range at which data theft can take place.

While it may not be advisable to dish out huge quantities of money for an RFID blocking product when you would usually spend far less on an everyday bag or wallet, you may find that the following products could be of use to you.

Here are seven products with RFID blocking technology that may help safeguard your data for Data Protection Day 2019:

1. Card holder, £33.17

Card holder (Amazon/Buoceans)

This card holder by BRYK has been manufactured using slim, stainless steel.

It's been designed to protect its users from improper use of RFID and contains six slots for credit cards, licences or cash.

One person who purchased the product described it as "good value for money", praising its compact size.

Buy here

2. Backpack, £135

Backpack (Samsonite)

Made from 60 per cent nylon, 30 per cent polyester and 10 per cent polyurethane, this practical Samsonite backpack has been designed with multiple compartments, including one spacious enough to comfortably fit a laptop.

RFID blocking material has been placed between the outer layer and internal lining of the bag.

The backpack is available to purchase in black or steel grey.

Buy here

3. Briefcase, £245

Briefcase (Samsonite)

This smart Samsonite briefcase is made from 90 per cent ballistic nylon and 10 per cent leather.

As with the backpack, RFID blocking material has been placed in between the outer layer and internal lining of the bag.

The olive green briefcase consists of a compartment for a laptop and a compartment for a smart tablet.

Buy here

4. Shoulder bag, £41.94

Shoulder bag (Rei)

Products containing RFID blocking material can be subtle, just like this Sherpani shoulder bag from outdoor clothing and accessory retailer Rei.

The front pocket of the bag is RFID-protected and it comes in arctic green, black or merlot red.

Buy here

5. Car key signal blocker, £12.99

Car key signal blocker (Amazon/Attenuo)

UK-based company Attenuo specialises in products containing RFID blocking technology.

This signal-blocking car key holder has been designed to prevent people who drive keyless entry cars from becoming victims of crime.

"Criminals using relays can scan your house, pick up the signal from your fob, then transmit it to an accomplice standing next to your vehicle," the company states on its website.

"This tricks the car into thinking you're standing next to it with the fob. They can then get in and drive off."

Buy here

6. Money belt, £10.99

Money belt (Amazon/MyCarbon)

It's important to be especially protective of your belongings when travelling, which is why wearing an RFID-protected money belt like this one could be a wise course of action.

Created by gadget brand MyCarbon, the money belt comes with a water-resistant zip, a jack for earphones and has been manufactured using material that's highly water resistant.

Buy here

7. Travel wallet, £8.95

Travel wallet (Amazon/Savisto)

Nowadays, people who carry electronic passports could find themselves the unsuspecting victims of data theft.

This travel wallet, designed by homeware retailer Savisto, can fit up to four passports and four credit cards in addition to currency and other documentation.

All of the pockets in the wallet are lined with "signal-blocking metallic mash", which the company states can hinder criminals from scanning your credit cards, passports or car keys from a remote location.

Buy here