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Fatal Flaw Weakens RFID Passports
fmwap writes "Wired news is reporting on new measures being taken to ensure RFID in US passports are not traceable. Encryption will be implemented via a key printed on the passport, which will be read by an optical scanner. The problem is the RFID serial number used for collisions will not be encrypted as is required for communication, thus still allowing tracking." We've previously reported on the decision to chip U.S. passports. From the article: "To its credit, the State Department listened to the criticism. As a result, RFID passports will now include a thin radio shield in their covers, protecting the chips when the passports are closed. Although some have derided this as a tinfoil hat for passports, the fact is the measure will prevent the documents from being snooped when closed." Update: 11/04 16:08 GMT by Z : Edited for accuracy.
Time to don the full body tinfoil armor!
domain combinatorics
I only travel by climbing fences and digging tunnels.
man, I feel like mold.
Why would I want to leave the US anyway? (Funny or Troll, your call...)
Why bother? American tourists are very easy to spot without having to resort to fancy technology. Just follow the bright white sneakers and the loud complaints about the food, the hotel, the prices, etc. etc...
People say I'm crazy, I got diamonds on the soles of my shoes...
A days parking at the airport : 12$
Homemade Magnetron gun concealed in suitcase : 250$
Watching everyone you point your suitcase at miss their flight and get arrested (before you get arrested yourself) : Priceless!
My left arm is all scars and I consider that a valid excuse...
I am VERY interested in YOUR comments. PLEASE specify more where YOU heard this INFORMATION. Was it PERCHANCE at a heavy METAL rock concert?
some have derided this as a tinfoil hat for passports
What is wrong with the trusty tin foil hat? I never leave the mothership without mine.
Slashdot - Where the slash is most definitely to the left.
Edited for accuracy.
Don't lie to us like that.....not all of us are N00bs
Well, you could always keep your passport locked in the hotel safe.
:)
Of course, the supposed terrorist could always check:
a) Does the individual wear white tennis shoes (black socks and shorts optional)?
b) Speak in a loud and/or abrasive manner?
c) Stands to the left on an escalator (or any other cultural misqueue)
Being an US citizen and traveling abroad quite often to Europe, it's not too hard picking out my compatriots.
The same can be said for European's in the US. European males -- LOSE THE MAN-CAPRI'S PLEASE!
If you don't keep quiet, we're going to end up with lots of other buzzword techs in our passports.
American == Target.
I will do you one better, RFID seaking missile.
Have a nice damn day.
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That I should be using Plate +3 (+5 versus State Department goons, diplomats and internet cafe baristas)
We play the game with the bravery of being out of range
Then I'll just have to microwave my hand then! Ha! That'll teach them!!
Oh, Wait...damn! My microwave doesn't work with the door open...
"The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make the other bastard die for his." - Patton
Although some have derided this as a tinfoil hat for passports, the fact is that it is indeed a fucking tinfoil hat!
Isn't the whole point of the tin-hat to give the public confidence, while still allowing tracking by suitably equipped (funded) parties?
How hard is it to track a person with tin-hat in public places?
In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is. - Yogi Berra
RFID Ping == American.
American == Target.
Wouldn't it be easier just to identify the grotesquly overweight pasty white individual in a hawaiian shirt, jean shorts, cowboy hat, and aviation glasses, who is taking an average of 6.3 photographs per second?