RFID Cards Hacking [Cloning] Using Arduino

• 14 March, 2022
• 3 Comments

What is RFID?

RFID or Radio-frequency identification is the use of radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag attached to an object.

When talking about RFID, we always have two components:

1. Tags/Cards  

2. Readers

All RFID tags/cards have a chip built into them, and all chips consist of an antenna and a microchip.

Cloning RFID Tag Live [Practical]

In the below video, you’ll learn how to use your Arduino as an RFID reader to clone a 13.56Mhz RFID tag/card. The reader I used in this video is the RC522 that only reads High-Frequency cards.

What I’ll learn from watching the video:

1- Read RFID tags/cards using Arduino

2-Change RFID tag/card UID number

3-Copy data from one RFID tag/card to another

4-Erase data from your RFID tag/card

https://youtu.be/VXx6l3vgBno

Note: This video is for educational purposes only!

How do RFID Tags/Cards get powered?

RFID Tags/Cards are passive and get energy from the reader itself.

Where is RFID used?

RFID is almost everywhere (gain physical/logical access control, garage doors, employee badges, EID, passports, credit cards, etc…)

Example

You have an RFID card – You present it to a reader on the wall/door – If it’s the correct card, it lets you in.

Types of frequencies:

There are three main frequency ranges RFID operates on.

• 125 kHz (Low Frequency) – the oldest version of RFID. Mostly used for employee badges and door and gate access control.
• 13.56 MHz (High Frequency) – Higher security format used for credit cards and employee badges for physical and logical access control. EID and passports
• 860-960 MHz (Ultra High Frequency) – UHF cards have a read range of up to 50 feet used for identification, access control, and transaction processes.

Keep in mind, if you want to read Low-Frequency cards, then you need a specific reader that can read Low Frequency & If you want to read High-Frequency cards, then you need a reader that reads High-Frequency cards.

Types of microchips:

Read-Write microchips allow you to write, read, overwrite, and erase data as much as you want.

Read-only will allow you to write once and read it as much as you want.

Types of cards/tags:

EM4100 chips are not writable.

T5577 chip [Chinese Magic cards] allows changing the ID [125 kHz Low Frequency].

How to protect yourself?

Use a protective sleeve to protect your RFID card/tag.

Links:
Arduino Uno: https://bit.ly/3C8zlr4
Arduino software: https://bit.ly/38YWCzd
RC522 Reader: https://bit.ly/2X7PZbP
Pin Wiring: https://bit.ly/3C75uiO
RFID Writable cards: https://bit.ly/38Z2DMD

Requirements:
Arduino Uno/Mega/Nano/Leonardo/Pro Micro
Arduino Software
RFID Writeable cards/tags
RC522 module