If you are one that’s paranoid about security, and are looking to invest in some of the most secure tech, this is a list for you. Here, we talk about some of the best gadgets that can protect your credit card in your wallet or backpack, an SSD that can self-destruct should it fall in the wrong hands, and accessories that can keep your smartphone secure.
RFID blocking wallet/backpack
As of today, a number of credit and debit cards are issued with RFID technology embedded in them. So, instead of swiping your card through a reader, you can simply wave your card to make the payment – a lot like NFC, but different. The disadvantage of this is that information from these cards can be stolen easily. If you are paranoid that your RFID-enabled card’s data can be stolen, then what you need is an RFID-blocking wallet. An RFID wallet starts at a few hundred rupees, and can go up to a few thousand, based on the quality and grade. A worthy investment!
If you are one that has an RFID passport (some countries issue RFID-enabled passports), and you carry it around in a bag, you need to invest in an RFID backpack. These backpacks are slightly expensive, and start at about Rs. 5,000 for an entry-level one, going up to Rs. 15,000. There are more expensive options available, for those looking for more features.
Self-destructing SSD drive
Say it Mission Impossible style and it sounds really cool: This SSD will self destruct in 5 seconds! Keeping up in reality, there are SSDs available in the market that you can destroy by sending a simple SMS – not just erase the data, but completely destroy the drive! Priced at about $1,500, SecureDrive's 128GB SSD can physically auto-destruct with a text message. Self destruction can be initiated if someone tries to access the password-protected drive, too. The drive isn’t easily available in India, but if you are paranoid about keeping data secure, you should definitely look into it.
Radiation blocking smartphone cases
Smartphone radiation has been a topic of debate for a long time now, and whether it’s extremely unsafe or not is a debate for some other time. If you are as paranoid as Chuck McGill from Better Call Saul is about radiation, then these cases are just for you. There are a lot of anti-radiation smartphone cases available, from a variety of manufacturers. Beginning at a few hundred rupees, these can go up to a few thousand, based on the quality and features on offer. Moreover, these anti-radiation cases are available for all popular smartphones.
Smartphone screen protector from peeping toms
Don’t you just hate it when you are sending a private text message, and someone is looking over your shoulder to read it? This is a situation that most people using public transport face. If you are one that is dealing with sensitive information, or simply wish to keep peeping toms away from your content, there are screen protectors like the Tech Armor 2-Way Privacy Ballistic Glass Screen Protector for the iPhone, that is priced at a mere Rs. 1,200 (approx). Now, anyone looking at your screen from your side won’t be able to see what you are doing on your device. The only downside is that you will have to put the display brightness at maximum all the time, as this protective layer will deter ease of visibility.
Wireless key finder
With these little tags, you can be warned if your desired object is out of reach. It can also help you find items that you have misplaced in the house. If you happen to misplace your car keys easily, then you can simply attach this to your car keys, and the minute you walk out of range, your smartphone will start beeping. The tag connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. In practice, you can put the tag on your pet, child or anything that you don’t want wandering off beyond a certain range. Paranoid parenting, anyone?
Fingerprint based locks
Keyless entry systems have already established themselves in the modern household. You have a 4- or 6-digit passcode that you key in just as you would on a smartphone, and voila, you have access to your house. But, do you remember the times you gave the access code to someone, and now regret it? You may want to consider moving to a fingerprint-based security system. You can get one for about Rs. 10,000, and program a number of fingerprints on it – no need to remember any passcodes to enter your house anymore.
Wireless home surveillance
Sticking with home security, if you are paranoid of someone breaking into your house, you may wish to invest in a WiFi-enabled security camera. What this does is give you the ability to monitor what’s going on at home, from the comfort of your smartphone or PC. All you need to do is to be connected to the internet. Remember – the Internet in your house needs to be active too, and be connected to the camera.
Home surveillance WiFi cameras start at a mere Rs. 3,000, and based on the features that they have on offer, can go beyond any affordable limit.