Adventures in RFID Cloning with Ethical Hacker David Probinsky

Hey there, I'm David, and I've got a wild story to share with you about my trip to DEFCON31. You know, that big tech conference full of hackers and innovators? Well, buckle up because this is a tale of hacking, adventure, and a little bit of mischief.?

So, I'm at DEFCON, soaking in the neon lights and tech vibes, and as expected at a hacker conference, I jump onto one of the discord groups I’m in, and start talking to a few of my buddies on the group. ?

As we're chatting up over discord, I mention my hotel room key card – just your regular old RFID card. And that's when it hits me – what if we could clone that key card using the Flipper Zero? ?

For context, many of us hackers usually have a lot of different tools and devices we love, commonly to tinker and hack other things. Among those, we have this sleek handheld device called the Flipper Zero, which can be used for many different things, including reading RFID cards. So the Flipper was the tool I would be using.?

A few members of the group mentioned it was somewhat possible and some provided me with a few steps, some different than others. Literally in the middle of a restaurant and about to have dinner but my curiosity was flying, and I began tinkering trying to figure it out right then and there, but it wouldn’t happen until later that night.?

So it’s about 1:30am and I’m huddled in the hotel room with the Flipper Zero. I'm there, feeling like I’m on some secret mission. And guess what? I pull it off. I had cloned my hotel key card! Can you believe it?!?

But wait, I'm not done yet. I start thinking, "What if I could take this even further?" I had this cool RFID bracelet that looked like a FitBit. And I thought, "Could I copy the cloned key card onto the bracelet?" so armed with the Flipper Zero and a crazy idea, I continue with my tinkering and hacking plans.?

I slip on the bracelet and cue the dramatic music because things are about to get interesting. With the Flipper Zero in one hand and the bracelet in the other, I start following the steps I had figured out. And then, there it is – a signal that the clone worked. I can't even describe the rush of excitement.?

I step in front of my hotel room, bracelet on hand, and I hold my breath as I approach the door. I swipe the bracelet against the RFID sensor, and then…click! The door unlocks, and I whisper “I'm in.” (Hacker’s voice). I've not only cloned my hotel key card but also managed to transfer that access to the bracelet. It's like I'm living in some tech-savvy spy movie.?

I strut over to the elevator like I'm about to board a spaceship. I tap the bracelet against the RFID sensor, and like magic, the doors slide open. I'm beaming like a Cheshire cat as I step in and hit the button for my floor. The ride is a mix of triumph and disbelief – did I actually pull this off??

The next day I'm telling my buddies this story, and they're all ears – the tale of how curiosity, a Flipper Zero, and a touch of daring turned a simple trip into a hacking adventure for the ages.?

Remember, sometimes the most unexpected hacks lead to the most exhilarating discoveries. So, who's up for an adventure next time??