About Identity Stronghold

Identity Stronghold recognized the need for privacy protection for RFID chipped items and created a new industry in RFID shielding protection in the early 2000’s. However until recently, the press and major credit card companies have been slow to recognize the privacy dangers associated with RFID chips that have been used in commercial and private sectors. Examples of their use would be in items such as credit cards, debit cards, passports, drivers' licenses, healthcare cards, ID cards, and transportation cards including most subway fare cards.

We are happy to see the public at large being made aware of the need for protection. We have been featured on Fox News, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, Inside Edition, Discovery Channel, and countless local news stations educating the public on how easy it is to scan valuable information from people’s cards without even touching their cards. This crime has even garnered itself a new name. The crime is now often called electronic pickpocketing or e-pickpocketing for short. Identity Stronghold is the leading provider of RFID secure sleeves and badge holders to the U.S. government.

About Walt Augustinowicz

Walt Augustinowicz is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) industry thought-leader, consumer advocate and founder of Identity Stronghold.

Augustinowicz is best known for taking on the major credit card companies over the issue of “electronic pickpocketing,” a term used to describe the high-tech ways in which criminals use radio waves, smart phones, compact computers and point-of-sale card readers to steal identities and confidential financial information remotely. He is also credited with coining the phrase “electronic pickpocketing” during an interview with WREG’s consumer reporter Scott Knoll on the streets of Memphis. Video of the station’s news report has received over one million views within a few days of its posting and many million more since. Augustinowicz has toured the country, visiting with more than 50 media outlets and demonstrated the ease of electronic pickpocketing and the risks involved with RFID technology nationwide.

Despite Augustinowicz’s demonstration of electronic pickpocketing to millions of viewers around the globe, the credit card companies have issued several versions of written denials and explanations in response. Other industry experts, including law enforcement officials and professors at major collegiate institutions have supported his claims that “electronic pickpocketing” is a real and present threat.

He resides in Englewood, FL where he continues to oversee the day-to-day operations of Identity Stronghold, as well as continuing to develop proprietary technologies to be used by both consumers and government employees.