Blocking Reader: Design and implementation of a low-cost passive UHF RFID Blocking Reader

In this paper, we present the Blocking Reader, a low-cost privacy protection device that prevents unauthorized reading of RFID tags. The promiscuous nature of the 18000-6C RFID tags poses a threat to personal security and privacy. Privately owned tags on a person can be read by all nearby readers without that person´s consent or knowledge, thereby, violating that person´s privacy. A low cost privacy protection device, the Blocking Reader, worn on a person´s body can be used to prevent these unauthorized tag reads, preserving your privacy. Our low-cost Blocking Reader has been implemented based upon the Chipcon CC1101 chip, and we have characterized its basic read and privacy preserving performance. Using a monopole antenna, the Blocking Reader prevents unauthorized tag reads within 1m of it. Furthermore, when worn on a person´s body, the Blocking Reader operates effectively as a privacy preserving device, preventing all nearby readers from reading tags located on or in close proximity to your body.