Germany RFID Identification Cards

German approach to identification meets with privacy challenges. ...

... "As of November 1, 2010, German citizens will be introduced to new identification cards that contain RFID chips, which will digitally store personal information. " ...

Via : Germany 2010

RFID ePassports

Dependence on technology increases risk of snooping with electronic passports that depend on RFID chips. ...

... "The new ID options all feature some form of RFID tag. There is the chipped e-passport and the electronic PASS card: a credit-card sized ID that includes the owner’s photo and can be scanned through a pocket, wallet, or purse from 30 feet. " ...

Via New American: State Department Passport

RFID Skimming Creates Privacy Concerns

The ease with which RFID-enabled passports can be skimmed raises privacy concerns. ...

... "Within an hour, he'd skimmed the identifiers of four more of the new, microchipped PASS cards from a distance of 20 feet. " ...

Via Los Angeles Times: Privacy Issues

June 1 RFID Passport

New border crossing regulations are in effect starting June 1. The RFID-enabled passport card is accepted. ...

... "It contains a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which points to a stored record in secure government databases. The card has the same period of validity as the U.S. Passport Book ... " ...

Via Huntington News: New Passport

RFID Border Crossing

RFID Vicinity Read Process

The passport RFID vicinity read process is discussed in the Federal Register. ...

... "The vicinity RFID electronic chip contains only one item of information--a unique identifying number that has meaning only inside the secure CBP computer system. No other form of personally identifiable information, such as name, date of birth, SSN, place of birth etc., will be electronically stored on the passport card or transmitted through RFID. All personal information will be contained in DHS systems and will only be accessible by authorized personnel through secure networks. Upon receipt of the passport card number, the border crosser's personal information will be downloaded from the CBP system and provided to the CBP officer. The CBP officer will then interview the individual, verify their identities, and determine the appropriate action to take. The WHTI passport card approach was not designed to be an automated system, and the use of vicinity RFID technology in this final rule reflects this reality. Rather, the RFID-based approach allows the CBP officers to do their jobs better and faster. " ...

Via Federal Register: Card Format Passport

RFID Tag Cloning

Ethical RFID hacking to expose security flaws ...

ePassport RFID Challenges

The RFID technology in e-passports and enhanced drivers licenses present a security challenge. Privacy and border security can be at risk from unauthorized reading of the RFID tags. ...

... "The tags are inexpensive and can, in ideal conditions, be read from about 150 feet away -- an unusually long range for RFID, says Ari Juels, director and chief scientist at RSA Laboratories ... " ...

Via MIT Tech Review: Security Problem

RFID on International Bridges

RFID technology implementation continues at border crossings where smart-passports will make the process more efficient and secure. ...

... "Radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware will be placed in all vehicle inspection lanes. It lets inspectors read travelers' passport cards ... " ...

Via Brownsville Herald: Border Security

Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates: "This four-lane bridge carries commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles and pedestrians. It is 4,024 feet long, with sidewalks on both sides. ... "

Gateway International Bridge

NY RFID Driver Licenses

New York state issues RFID driver license. ...

... "On September 16, 2008, NYS began to issue WHTI-Compliant Enhanced driver licenses (EDL) (includes Enhanced learner permits) and Enhanced non-driver photo ID cards (ENDID) to applicants who can prove U.S. citizenship and NYS residency. An EDL or ENDID can be used instead of a passport at U.S. land and sea border crossings between Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. " ...

Via NYS DMV: Enhanced DMV Photo Documents for U.S. Citizens Who are Residents of NYS

RFID Blocking Sleeve for ePassport or CreditCard

Blocking sleeve prevents RFID chip from activating on electronic passports or credit cards. ...

Vermont RFID Drivers License

Vermont's EDL/ID will be used for secure identification and citizenship. It is intended as an acceptable alternative to a passport for re-entry into the U.S. at land and sea border crossings. It is planned to be issued in late 2008. ...

... "Passive vicinity Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) will be embedded in the card. This RFID is required by the federal government to facilitate rapid identification checks at the border. The RFID tag embedded in the EDL/ID will have a unique reference number and will not contain personal or biographic information. " ...

Via Vermont: State of Vermont Enhanced Driver License (EDL)



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RFID e-Passport

RFID-enabled electronic passport can be read by a nearby inquiring RFID reader. In this video, improved shield design is suggested. ...









RFID Shield: "RFID Shield protects your data from from being read. "

RFID ePassport Design

RFID e-passport under continued debate ... see animation. ...

... "This design will reflect the varied landscapes of our country and each page will include a quote reflecting the hope and success that is the United States of America. " ...

Via State Dept: Design of the New U.S. e-Passport

RFID Passport: Vicinity Read Technology Not Recommended

Smart Card Alliance responds to the State Department's October 17th Federal Register notice, recommending that the U.S. government reconsider using vicinity read RFID technology for its passport card implementation program. The Alliance sees advantages in leveraging contactless smartcard technology for the ePassport. ...

... "In its response to the State Department's notice, the Alliance provides details of its concerns with the passport card decision to use vicinity read RFID technology, and gives recommendations for measures that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State could implement to improve the passport card program.

The Alliance states many advantages to using contactless smart card technology for the passport card program, including the ability to support electronic verification of authenticity to prevent counterfeiting and to use secure, encrypted communications to thwart eavesdropping and replay attacks, and ensure privacy protection for cardholders. A passport card based on contactless smart card technology can also leverage the infrastructure that is being put in place by DHS and the Department of State to support the new ePassport. " ...

Via Smart Card Alliance: Smart Card Alliance Urges U.S. Government to Reconsider Proposed Passport Card With Long Range RFID Technology

The Smart Card Alliance is a not-for-profit, multi-industry association working to stimulate the understanding, adoption, use and widespread application of smart card technology.

RFID Passport Hack

Details of RFID e-passport being hacked ...

... "using a Bluetooth antenna connected to an RFID reader, Laurie relayed details of his son's passport over a distance of 10 metres and through two walls to a laptop. " ...

Via Guardian Unlimited: Link

RFID ePassport Vulnerable ...

Flexilis describes a number of vulnerabilities in the US ePassport and makes recommendations to increase security of the data. ...

... "Starting October 2006, new U.S. passports will contain RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips which hold an individual's picture and personal information. These chips can be read wirelessly from a distance of several feet. In order to prevent thieves from stealing sensitive personal data, the State Department has included several security measures in the proposed passport standard. " ...

Via Flexilis: e-Passport Vulnerability

Protect RFID Passport Faraday Cage ...

Paraben offers inexpensive faraday cage for sale that protects RFID devices, such as electronic passports from privacy invasion. ...

... "Paraben's Passport StrongHold Bags use faraday technology to block wireless signals to protect personal information from being read by would-be identity thieves or other people who wish to invade privacy. These bags are perfect for storing anything using RFID chips so no one can steal the information from the RFID chip. One of the biggest concerns with e-Passports is that any RFID reader could read the information contained on the passport by just being in the same vicinity as the unprotected passport. The principal behind Paraben's Passport StrongHold Bags is based on a faraday cage that blocks signals that emanate from all directions. The bags create a complete enclosure, securing personal information ... " ...

Via Paraben Forensics: RFID Passport Protection ...

RFID Secure US Passports: Order Placed ...

Infineon receives RFID-enabled electronic-Passport order from US government, as all new passports will require the technology by end of this year. Infineon has experience with a number of countries and their e-passport implementations. ...

... "Infineon Technologies AG announced that it received a multi-million piece purchase order from the United States government to supply its highly-secure integrated circuit technology for the new electronic passport. Designed to facilitate international travel by allowing automatic identity verification, faster immigration inspections and greater border protection and security, the new passports include a computer chip in the back cover that securely stores the same information that is printed on the document. The US began issuing electronic passports to diplomats and other government workers in late 2005, and is now expanding the program to include the widely issued tourist passport used by private citizens. By the end of this year, the government expects that all new US passports will be issued as electronic passports.

Infineon supplies its secure identification chips to more than 20 countries that have begun to use electronic passports or have begun to test this technology, including Germany, Hong Kong, Norway and Sweden. In addition, Infineon provides the secure chips inside electronic identity documents used in such countries as Italy, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and Belgium, and also for Hong Kong, as well as the chips used for secure identification cards issued by the US Department of Defense. As a security measure, the US Congress passed legislation requiring that countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program must issue passports with secure chip technology by October 2006. Concurrently, the US adopted this technology to conform to specifications for electronic passports developed by the international standards body for travel documents, the International Civil Aviation Organization. " ...

RFID Secure US Passports: Order Placed: Via Infineon Technologies: New US Passports Contain Secure Identification Chips ...

RFID ePassports Identity Skimming ...

RFID e-passports, or electronic passports, will become available in the United States. The RFID technology, used in the passports, is subject to identity skimming. ...

... "They'll have radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and are meant to cut down on human error of immigration officials, speed the processing of visitors and safeguard against counterfeit passports. " ...

RFID ePassports Identity Skimming: Via CNN: Technologists object to U.S. RFID passports ...

RFID Passport Document Reader ...

Viisage RFID Passport document reader is chosen by SERPRO of Brazil to enable electronic authentication at borders. ...

... "SERPRO (Servico Federal de Processamento de Dados) of Brazil has selected Viisage's iA-thenticate(R) Smart Chip/RFID Electronic Document Reader to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of information with e-Passports, e-Visas, driver's licenses and ID cards at all airports, seaports and land crossing borders throughout the country. The contract, valued at $1.7 million, marks the first industry deployment of a smart chip reader and further outlines the option for SERPRO to spend an additional 25% of the original contract value through the exercise of add-on technologies. The systems will be operated by the Department of Federal Police (Departamento de Policia Federal - DPF). This is the first nation-wide implementation of an automated RFID document authentication system in the western hemisphere, and positions Brazil, the fifth most populated country in the world, as a leader in the use of border security technology. The iA-thenticate with smart chip technology helps prevent identity fraud during border crossing by using the embedded e-passport smart chip reader, to verify the validity of credentials that are electronically stored on the e-passport. The product is also used to validate the authenticity of standard passports that are not RFID chip enabled. The implementation will be in conjunction with the production of the new Brazilian passport, which will be issued later in 2006. With more than 200 units already shipped, full deployment is planned to be underway by the end of the first quarter; completed deployment is expected during the second quarter of 2006. " ...

RFID Passport Document Reader: Via Viisage: Viisage is Selected by the Department of Federal Police of Brazil for Border Security Program; The iA-thenticate Smart Chip/RFID Critical to Brazil's Border Security ...

RFID e-Passport Security Breach ...

... "A Dutch television program Nieuwslicht recently worked with local security firm Riscure to successfully crack and decrypt a Dutch-prototype RFID passport. " ...

Via Engadget: Dutch RFID e-passport cracked -- US next? ...

Via Riscure: Privacy issues with new digital passport: "The new digital passport lacks in the protection of personal details of the passport holder. An attacker intercepting the contactless communication between the passport and the border control system can get access to the personal information held on the chip inside the new passport. ... Riscure is a Security Lab based in the Netherlands. Riscure evaluates the security of smart cards, mobile phones and related systems for banks, credit card companies, GSM operators, smart card manufacturers, organisations deploying digital IDs and companies in the pay television industry. "

RFID e-Passports Speed Travelers ...

Transition to e-passports will be implemented quickly. ...

... "Through the planned technology enhancements at our ports of entry, we'll be able to recognize and expedite the movement of low-risk or trusted travelers by linking cardholders to secure databases that will allow us to quickly verify identity and citizenship. We can also leverage these advancements in technology to increase aviation security. We've already found, for example, that our machine-readable passports have helped to speed travelers through our airport controls while adding an additional layer of necessary security. By 2007, the United States will transition exclusively to e-passports that will contain biometric information. Through this kind of electronic passport, we can verify a traveler's identity, protect against identity theft and make it very difficult for forgers or imposters. " ...

RFID e-Passports Speed Travelers: Via DHS | Department of Homeland Security | Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Secure Borders and Open Doors in the Information Age, at an Event at the Department of State ...

RFID eIdentity USB Reader: Passport Capable ...

ASK introduces USB-connection RFID reader that has shown interoperability with Interfest e-passport standards. ...

... "ASK launches the RDR 400 series of contactless USB readers, designed for performance, security and ergonomics. RDR 400 readers are ideal for contactless logical/physical access control, identity, banking and PC-based applications. Based on CPL 400 couplers, the RDR 400 series is high speed, low cost, multi-standard and multi-application; its unique and powerful RF interface means that RDR 400 readers support all current ISO dual interface/contactless cards and contactless tickets.

RDR 400 has passed successfully e-passport Interfest interoperability tests taking place in November in Singapore. These tests involved 124 different passports complying with ISO14443 type A or B standards from 28 countries to be tested on 40 readers. ASK reader reached the best performances both in terms of interoperability and communication speed. ASK is breaking new ground in emerging markets such as e-identity and banking where clients need technology partners with superlative expertise in both RFID card and reader technology " ...

RFID eIdentity USB Reader: Passport Capable: Via ASK: ASK launches new contactless USB reader RDR 400 series ...

Founded in 1997, ASK is now the supplier of the most comprehensive range of contactless cards, tickets, RFID tags and readers on the market. All products comply with ISO and EPC standards. ASK addresses the mass transit, access control, e-government ID, supply chain and logistics markets. 50 million contactless cards, tickets and RFID labels are already in use worldwide. ASK’s manufacturing plant is located at its Sophia-Antipolis headquarters in France, with regional offices in Paris, Singapore and Westport, USA.

RFID Sweden National Electronic Passport Initiative ...

RFID support the Swedish Police Department in their national electronic passport initiative. ...

RFID Sweden National Electronic Passport Initiative: Via Arcontia: ACG ID and Arcontia roll out the new passport reader chosen by the Swedish Police Department: 320 contactless readers will form the backbone of the Swedish Police Department’s electronic passport infrastructure ...

... "ACG Identification Technologies, a leading component and technology supplier in the smart card and RFID markets, and Arcontia AB, a contactless smart card reader supplier in RFID markets, announce that their customized passport readers were chosen by Setec and the Swedish Police Department for use within the country’s nationwide electronic passport project. In total, 320 units were installed in local police stations across the country to be used by citizens when collecting their newly issued electronic passports. " ...

ACG Identification Technologies is an independent component and technology supplier serving the entire value chain of smart card and RFIDbased systems. Headquartered in Walluf (Germany), ACG has 21 locations throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Arcontia has been active in the RFID technology since 1996 and is today a developer of a comprehensive range of contactless smart card readers and terminals, complying with ISO14443 A/B and MIFARE standards. The product range addresses e-ticketing and e-government markets as well as the supply chain management and logistics market. Local office is based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

RFID ePassport Document Authentication ...

RFID ePassport Document Authentication: The Sultanate of Oman Selects Viisage for Border Management Solution; Viisage Document Authentication Solution to Validate Travelers Documents at Airports, Seaports, and Land Borders ...

... "Automated document authentication provides the broadest form of document validation for countries today. As countries move to develop their electronic passport programs, the Viisage iA-thenticate solution can support both radio frequency ID (RFID) read of the chip on an e-passport, as well as authentication of non e-passports. Such border management initiatives as the US VISIT, a US Department of Homeland Security program designed to enhance national security and promote legitimate travel, mandate the eventual adoption of biometrically enabled e-passports. " ...

Viisage (NASDAQ: VISGE) delivers advanced technology identity solutions for governments, law enforcement agencies and businesses concerned with enhancing security, reducing identity theft, and protecting personal privacy. Viisage solutions include secure credentials such as passports and drivers' licenses, biometric technologies for uniquely linking individuals to those credentials, and credential authentication technologies to ensure the documents are valid before individuals are allowed to cross borders, gain access to finances, or granted other privileges. With over 3,000 installations worldwide, Viisage's identity solutions stand out as a result of the Company's industry-leading technology and unique understanding of customer needs. Viisage's product suite includes FaceTOOLS SDK, Viisage PROOF, FaceEXPLORER, iA-thenticate, BorderGuard, FacePASS and FaceFINDER.

RFID Border Control Biometrics UK Conference

RFID Border Control Biometrics UK Conference: OMNIKEY sponsors the Global Border Control Technology Summit in London: OMNIKEY, one of the world´s leading manufacturers of innovative smart card readers, is sponsoring the Global Border Control Technology Summit, the premier meeting place for governments, technology vendors and system integrators to debate the ongoing concerns involving biometric passports ...

Omnikey sponsors UK conference to address the requirements of RFID-based border control with biometric technologies ...

... "OMNIKEY, one of the world´s leading manufacturers of innovative smart card readers, is sponsoring the Global Border Control Technology Summit, the premier meeting place for international governments, technology vendors and system integrators to debate the ongoing concerns involving biometric passports. The conference will take place on July 11th to 12th in London at the Selfridge Hotel in London. The decision of governments worldwide to introduce high-security electronic travel documents based on RFID and biometric technologies, as well as to roll-out a new globe-spanning border control infrastructure, presents an array of technological and logistical challenges. " ...

The Global Border Control Technology Summit will enable all those involved in the rollout of technology-led projects to discuss critical practical, technical and commercial issues; and to find appropriate solutions to common implementation problems. High-profile attendees, including government representatives, from all over the world guarantee a unique insight in how the early adopters of biometrics for border control have introduced and implemented the technology. First-hand information on how the different products and solutions are working in practice can be expected. This event has been specifically designed and timed to coincide with the rollout of biometric passports and is therefore essential for Passport Issuing Authorities and Border Control Authorities. It will also be invaluable for any government organisation responsible for making the business case, selecting technology partners, procuring services for or managing any project involving identification technologies, services and products.

OMNIKEY, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of innovative smart card readers, offers the most diversified product portfolio available on the market today. Having established a tight collaboration with key decision makers in the card manufacturing and software industries, OMNIKEY sits at the table of innovation. OMNIKEY’s smart card readers for PCs can be utilized by any application including logical access control, digital signature, GSM authentication, secure banking and online transactions, loyalty programs, and healthcare solutions. OMNIKEY, headquartered in Walluf, near Wiesbaden (Germany), is part of the ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group (ITG). OMNIKEY´s North American headquarters reside in Irvine, California with technical support in Atlanta, Georgia. The Asia Pacific operation is located in Hong Kong. Design, production management, and quality control of OMNIKEY’s products are carried out in the company’s two R&D centers in Linz, Austria and Erfurt, Germany. OMNIKEY readers are distributed worldwide through a global network of partners, including value added resellers, system integrators, and OEMs.

ITG is the world’s leading supplier of RFID components, products, solutions and services. Comprised of a dynamic group of companies including HID, Sokymat, ACG Identification Technologies, Indala, OMNIKEY and Interlock, ITG innovation spans the value chain of smart card and RFID-based systems for identification and security. Applications include physical and logical access control, supply chain management, animal tagging, national ID and e-passport programs, transport and various industrial and manufacturing applications. ITG Research in Denver, Colorado, focused on advanced research projects at the cutting edge of RFID and smart card technologies, and its SmartWorldAcademy in Prague, uniquely position ITG at the forefront of the secure identification industry. ITG headquarter offices are located in Walluf, Germany and Irvine, California. ITG is part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, an international group listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange with some 30,000 employees and annual sales of about EUR 3 billion. The ASSA ABLOY Group is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of locking solutions, dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety and convenience.