DHS Hate me

Welcome to DHS Hate Me. I hope to make this a source for thoughtcrime throughout The United States, The UK, and Anywhere where they can understand English (or translate it) and desire mental freedom.

Let’s start out with a shout-out to fellow Blogger and author Cory Doctorow and his new book, “Little Brother” Which is about a young man mistakenly detained by the DHS in a panicked “sweep”, and what he does to them in return. It is a Frighteningly plausible scenario, and includes graphic depictions of the tactics actually used by DHS agents nationwide, and abroad. An excellent book, Which I recommend to anyone with Kids 11+ (younger kids may not grasp or be able to handle some of the subjects discussed. Read it first, and discuss the book with your child), Or just plain anyone.

For the second half of our Presentation, A quick How-to On Blocking RFID chips (aka arphids, in Little Brother). These things are just plum everywhere. Library books, Groceries, Credit cards, you name it, are getting these. Now, In the right hands, this technology isn’t a bad thing, letting people open doors with a swipe of their hand and a bunch of other cool stuff. In the wrong hands, however, this Technology can do many a bad thing to one’s personal Privacy. Placing Electronic toll-plaza readers in places other than at toll Plazas, for instance… Bad enough they can tell when you crossed such-and-such bridge, or took the turnpike, but add in a full track of your day-to-day goings… Not kosher.

Now… On to the Meat of the How-to: RFID chips are fairly simple devices, almost Entirely antenna. They receive all their power from this antenna, as well as the activating signal. When one is activated, it “chirps” the data stored on it to the reader. They’re also insanely easy to block, with a Faraday Cage. No need to make a room-sized cage of brass mesh, though, Just get out your trusty roll of Duct Tape, and some Aluminum Foil. Tear off a sheet of the foil large enough to encase the offending item, and lay it out flat. Cover the sheet with strips of Duct tape, which will prevent the foil from tearing, and also stop annoying (and Incriminating!) crinkly noises. Optionally, flip it over, and cover the other side. The result is essentially, RFID-blocking cloth. Use it wherever you would use light leather or Nylon, Such as in a wallet. Important: The RFID tag needs to be as completely enclosed as possible in order to be blocked. Any holes may let some signal “leak”.

Ideas:

• Make a “sleeve” for your electronic toll-pass. Be sure to take it off when you actually need to use the toll plaza, though… No RFID means a ticket in the mail.
• Make a wallet to block Credit cards from spilling their guts to whoever asks.
• Make a Passport sleeve to protect your information from escaping when you don’t want it to.

The possibilities are endless.

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