New U.S. identity card, with RFID, could pose security threat
- May 16th, 2008
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- 1 Comment
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A new passport-like travel card poses a threat to our Nation’s security because, some security experts say, it’s easily susceptible to counterfeiting. The card, which is the size of a credit card, has two identification mechanism: a photo and an RFID chip. The photo, it seems, can be removed by using a solvent, and the RFID tag could, theoretically, be re-programmed. Worst case scenario is, a “bad guy” can simply swipe out the photo and change the embedded information to show that he’s an upstanding U.S. citizen. Once inside, these experts warns us, who knows what evil they may commit.
It’s partially scare-mongering, yes, but it does highlight how the government operates. Rather than outfit the card, which is scheduled to go into circulation in July, with a tested optical strip, which is more secure but takes longer to process, State chose the quick-to-process RFID tag.
Good to see all that record spending go toward useful projects.
via Drudge Report
CB (Who am I?)
1 month ago
Having worked for a border issue organization, I know that the State Department is aware that the RFID could be scanned during development but I think its really important to know what the RFID contains. Just a huge long number. That’s it. No personal information. In order for the ID thief to know who you are, they have to crack into the State Department data base and match the numbers. The one thing the RFID does do however for those with a scanner, is basically ID you as an American, and as we know, on foreign soil, that can be dangerous. But as I and my organization was told by the State Department, if you are concerned, just smash the chip with a hammer. The passport is still totally valid.
I can’t really speak to the lifting of the picture, but I think Nicholas is right, this is really scare-mongering.