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Cellphone Could Crack RFID Tags

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the let-the-wardriving-begin dept.

diverge_s writes "Adi Shamir of RSA is at it again. This time pointing out flaws in RFID systems. From the article: 'I haven't tested all RFID tags, but we did test the biggest brand and it is totally unprotected,' Shamir said. Using this approach, 'a cellphone has all the ingredients you need to conduct an attack and compromise all the RFID tags in the vicinity.'"

5 of 138 comments (clear)

  1. Link to the dude itself, dude! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Here's the cryptographer's panel:
    http://media.omediaweb.com/rsa2006/1_5/1_5_High.as x

    Prof Shamir comes on at 6:15, but I recommend watching the whole hour through.

  2. Re:RFID tag reader already in many Nokia phones by ianalis · · Score: 5, Informative

    That is the reason why I was shocked when I read the title. I know that there are Nokia phones that can read RFID and Nokia is pushing for its widespread use. Here's a useful link regarding RFID in Nokia phones: http://europe.nokia.com/nokia/0,,55737,00.html

  3. RFID is not meant for security by Lord+Satri · · Score: 4, Informative

    I like what one of our users said:
    "To summarize:
    RFID for inventory tracking ==> Good idea
    RFID for security ==> Stupid idea    "

    Here below I copy parts a previous comment on another story (which wasn't moderated and thus, probably not read a lot):
    Anyone interested in RFID could also start with the excellent wikipedia.org entry.

    Of interest, Slashdot already discussed RFID production increases before. Yes, RFID can be scary, especially in a bank or in passports. Imagine, even Sun cares for RFID. MobileMag have a small article about a 100% organic matter RFID chip developed in Korea, costing only 0.5 cents.

    And if RFID and geospatial tech seriously interest you, see my sig ;-)

    --
    Animoog.org
  4. Re:Injected RFID tags... by plumby · · Score: 4, Informative
    That would be considered non-elective surgery, which is a form of assault {at least common assault, and maybe ABH or even GBH if an allergic reaction or septicaemia develops} -- and therefore illegal. Note also that you cannot consent to assault, and just because you said it was OK the perpetrator can still be prosecuted.

    Whether you can or can't consent to assault is irrelevant, as by agreeing to have the surgery, it would become elective and there would be no assault to consent to.

  5. Re:Injected RFID tags... by kansas1051 · · Score: 4, Informative

    Note also that you cannot consent to assault, and just because you said it was OK the perpetrator can still be prosecuted.

    Your high school business law teacher who told you that didn't know what he was talking about. You can consent to a battery (unlawful touching) or an assault (reasonable apprehension of a battery). How do you think boxing, hockey, or football work? Each participant consents to being battered and assaulted (within the rules of the game) by other participants.