Stylish High-Tech Wallets Thwart Wireless Identity Theft

New patent-pending wallets offer style and security for new wireless credit cards.

California-based Kena Kai (www.kenakai.com) today announced its new line of DataSafe Wallets(TM) for men and women designed to protect the new 'smart card' credit cards from wireless identity theft. The DataSafe line of stylish wallets incorporates radio-frequency (RF) shielding material to protect the data on the growing number of credit cards that feature the new "Contactless Smart Card Technology."

The new 'Contactless Credit Cards' are designed to make purchases much more convenient. The user no longer has to actually swipe their card as they can simply wave it in front of a 'reader' to make a purchase. "This is the future. As the large credit card companies go after the fees attached to the $724 billion market segment of 'under $25 transactions' - that has traditionally been paid for with cash and therefore not provided them with their fees - we will be seeing a huge push for acceptance of these contactless credit cards and we want to make people aware that they need to take extra precaution with these cards," offered Geb Masterson, president of Kena Kai.

According to the May 2005 Nilson Report, there should be 15 to 20 million Visa and MasterCard contactless chip cards in the market by the end of 2006, and this does not take into consideration the millions of American Express contactless cards.

The wallets are designed to complement the inherent security and encryption of the newer generation Contactless Payment Cards. "While the new cards do offer additional security, you have to wonder 'why do the cards arrive in foil-lined envelopes?' and 'why did the U.S. State Department add in similar RF shielding to their recently announced E-passports?'" added Masterson.

According to the Smart Card Alliance, a leading industry association, they supported the State Department's move to add RF shielding to the E-passports to address concerns about 'skimming' of personal data while in use. By adding the shielding into the E-passport's cover it eliminates the opportunity for skimming while the document is closed.

Unlike passports though, credit cards do not have 'covers' to protect them, they contain personal financial information and people use them much more frequently than passports. By incorporating the shielding material into a wallet, Kena Kai provides a high-tech solution in a form factor that people understand.

The new DataSafe Wallet line will include bi-folds, tri-folds, credit card wallets, women's wallets, and passport holders in full-grain Italian leather. The DataSafe Wallets will begin shipping in October and will retail between $40 and $120.

With a distinctive combination of style and innovation, Kena Kai designs unique items for people that enjoy life with a passion and appreciate how technology can often make their lives better. Full-color photos and information for the product can be currently obtained by emailing Geb Masterson at geb@kenakai.com.