Protection of personal data contained on an RFID-enabled device

1. A system for protecting personal data contained on a radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled device, the system for use with an RFID system including an RFID reader configured to extract information from an RFID chip associated with the RFID-enabled device, the system comprising:

an electronic tagging system including a camera; and

a personal data protection device configured to communicate with the electronic tagging system and be selectively switchable between a first mode of operation, in which the personal data protection device is configured to detect an emission of a carrier signal by the RFID reader, and a second mode of operation, in which the personal data protection device is configured to prevent reading of the RFID chip associated with an RFID-enabled personal item, through actuation of a user-actuatable switch,

wherein, upon detection of the emission of a carrier signal by the RFID reader, the electronic tagging system electronically tags one or more potential sources of the carrier signal via the camera.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the personal data protection device further includes a power source.

3. The system according to claim 2 , wherein the personal data protection device is further configured to activate an indicatory device when the power source is low.

4. The system according to claim 3 , wherein the indicatory device is a light emitting diode (LED) or an audible alarm.

5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the personal data protection device is configured to automatically switch from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation.

6. A method of protecting personal data, the method comprising:

providing a personal data protection device configured to be selectively switchable between a first mode of operation, in which the personal data protection device is configured to detect the emission of a carrier signal by a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, and a second mode of operation, in which the personal data protection device is configured to prevent reading of an RFID chip associated with an RFID-enabled personal item, through actuation of a user-actuatable switch;

detecting a carrier signal of the RFID reader;

activating the second mode of the personal data protection device in response to detection of the carrier signal of the RFID reader;

upon activation of the second mode of the personal data protection device, emitting one or more signals configured to prevent reading of the RFID chip associated with the RFID-enabled personal item; and

upon detection of the emission of a carrier signal by the RFID reader, tagging one or more potential sources of the carrier signal via a camera.

7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the personal data protection device further includes a power source.

8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the personal data protection device is further configured to activate an indicatory device when the power source is low.

9. The method according to claim 8 , wherein the indicatory device is a light emitting diode (LED) or an audible alarm.

10. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the personal data protection device is configured to automatically switch from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation.

11. A method of protecting personal data, the method comprising:

providing a holder having a pocket configured to receive a radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled personal item therein and configured to transmit an alert signal when the RFID-enabled personal item is removed from the pocket, the holder including a sensor and a resilient biasing member configured to bias the RFID-enabled personal item against the sensor such that removal of the RFID-enabled personal item from the pocket causes the sensor to transmit the alert signal;

automatically activating a personal data protection device configured to prevent reading of an RFID chip associated with the RFID-enabled personal item within a predetermined range of the personal data protection device in response to the transmission of the alert signal; and

upon activation of the personal data protection device, electronically tagging one or more potential sources of the carrier signal via a camera.

12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the personal data protection device further includes a power source.

13. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the personal data protection device is further configured to activate an indicatory device when the power source is low.

14. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the indicatory device is a light emitting diode (LED) or an audible alarm.

15. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the personal data protection device is configured to automatically switch from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation.