Flying Under The Radar

by
posted on September 29, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
blackhawkpouches.jpg

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips and tags are so commonplace we hardly notice them. Unfortunately, the ones hiding in some of our credit cards, identification and passports have not escaped the attention of criminals.

In simplest terms, RFID chips are tiny little storehouses of information that keep their yaps shut until a transmitter on the right frequency queries it for information. Nearly all the time it’s a cash register doing the asking, and an RFID-equipped credit card is eager to help speed you on your way by providing the right details. Unfortunately, identity thieves aren’t just monitoring the airwaves; they’re carrying around transmitters trying to pick your pocket electronically.

Those miniature radios have to be in close proximity for it to happen, but airports, malls, almost anywhere with a crowd, is fertile ground for electronically savvy criminals. Personally, I’d like to own a jamming device of some sort, although I’m pretty sure the Federal Communications Commission would find some sort of rule I was breaking, lock me up and throw away the key.

In the meantime, I’ll just travel with my RFID-equipped stuff in one of Blackhawk’s new Under the Radar Pouches. They feature Zero Trace signal-blocking technology in their fabric to protect your electronic devices and prevent unwanted scans of personal and financial information.

The pouches are available for cell phones, wallets, passports, tablets and laptop computers. If you really want to remain electronically undectable, consider the fully encased Under the Radar Courier Bag. Computers are vulnerable too, so the company offers 13-, 15- and 17-inch laptop protective cases.

One of the more interesting notes in the Blackhawk announcement was the fact that computer gear or phones taken in evidence by law enforcement can apparently be “data wiped” remotely by a criminal. The Under the Radar Pouches can prevent that, as well, but it amazes me just how devious today’s criminals have become.

We need to be just as clever. Visit Blackhawk today and establish a new line of defense.

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web
Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Henry Donates Rifles To Support Young Leukemia Victim

Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited run of 50 “Team Keane” Golden Boy .22 lever-action rifles to support 13-year-old Keane Rhodes of Universal City, Texas, who is currently undergoing aggressive treatment for ALL T-cell leukemia.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.