RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFIER TECHNOLOGY – THE NEXT THREAT TO PRIVACY AND IDENTITY THEFT

RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier Technology) allows specially equipped radio receivers to read the contents of an identification chip from a distance. These chips have been appearing in credit cards, drivers licenses, and now in the new US Government passports.

The chips contain information about the person and the information contained within the document, license, or passport. Government and business raced to put these new technologies into production in order to speed up information processing services. With RFID in a passport, it was thought that citizens could clear customs and immegration quickly when returning to the US. Rather than hand the passport directly to the customs agent, the passport could be read without leaving your pocket or purse.

However the new technology allows hackers to access personal information with small receivers. They need only stand near the RFID enabled card or passport to read the contents of the document. In a recent study by the University of Massachusetts two RFID readers were purchased. The RFID readers scanned credit cards issues by VISA, MasterCard and American Express and uncovered numerous vulnerabilities. Even thought the contents of the cards were deeply encrypted, the researchers were able to relay data to decryption software and then read the contents including personal information.

In testimony before Congress, government agencies assured congress that RFID technologies were safe for US Passports. At KnightsBridge Castle, we believe that this technology is not safe and especially for a US passport.