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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.
*Fatal* flaw *weakens* RFID passports.
*Fatal* *weakens*
Um yeah.
Not to mention the fact that it's only fatal if they decide not to proceed.
dumbass.
Were that I say, pancakes?
I guess a bit of cynicism is perfectly appropriate in this matter.
Some people already have such a device implemented, for example to get access to a bar. Maybe they think it is cool. But there was a time, about half a century ago, when tattoos were used to assign numbers to people. We shall not forgot those crimes. Nowaday we get a number assigned on a document with an RFID chip and various biometric information. Of course the numbers have a purpose. They are being used to access large databases. I doubt we have seen the end of the story yet. DNA sampling will be next. It is already being done systematically not only with convicted criminals, but also innocent suspects. The same happened to fingerprinting. We also see GPS-equipped tags. I read that Marta Stuart got one of those bracelets. Originally a passport was just a document which allowed the holder to pass. The seal from an authority was proof of authenticity. Since then things have changed a bit. It would be naive to use the same technology. But there is no reason to attach numbers and RFID tags to passports. The information on a passport could be simply signed by an authority, electronically, of course, and printed onto the document as a simple 2d-barcode. Well, I guess the days when free citizens were free are over.