EU RFID Risks Manageable in Near Term Riskier in Networked Future

European technology study group assesses the use of RFID technology and its challenges. The analysis sees current privacy risks as limited, but envisions future risks associated with integrated information sources that may allow mining of the aggregate information, which could increase the likelihood of potential surveillance. ...

... "Although a more comprehensive survey would need to be undertaken to draw definite conclusions, these first accounts suggest that, relative to the scale of implementation, few Identity Management issues actually occur. In general, both user and maintainer of the RFID settings perceive RFID merely as an electronic key or wallet. The reason for this can be twofold. First of all, in all the cases it is clear who maintains the data and needs to comply with the guidelines on data protection. Second, many systems currently only cover a small area of a specific setting and run parallel to legacy systems. The RFID systems therefore only disclose small fragments of their users’ identity, limiting the maintainers' possibilities for control. " ...

Via European Union Scientific Technology Options Assessment: RFID and Identity Management in Everyday Life (PDF)

RFID Nike iPod Privacy Breach

University of Washington research demonstrates flaws in the RFID technology used in the the Nike Ipod Sport kit, that enable tracking of individuals from moderate distanced, compromising their security. Additional cryptography could be added to deal with this flaw. ...

... "As part of our research, we built a number of surveillance tools that malicious individuals could use to track Nike+iPod Sport Kit owners. Our tools can track Nike+iPod Sport Kit owners while they our working out, as well as when they are just casually walking around town, a parking lot, or a college campus. " ...

Via University of Washington: The Nike+iPod Sport Kit

RFID Manages Metro Shrinkage

Metro partners with Checkpoint to implement RFID source tags to reduce shrinkage across a significant number of stores across multiple countries. ...

... "The strategic agreement, which includes worldwide store installation of NDRF (New Digital Radio Frequency) technology and source tagging, will help METRO Cash & Carry to minimize shrinkage and reduce operational costs by using only one supplier, Checkpoint Systems, and implement source tagging, with the ultimate aim of improving their customers' shopping experience. Installation of 3G NDRF (called Liberty PX in North America) antennas and deactivators is planned for the more than 425 Cash & Carry self-service wholesale stores in 28 countries, making it the most international EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) roll out of its kind. The global shrink management solution provides METRO Cash & Carry (under METRO and MAKRO brand names), with product protection throughout the entire supply chain, from manufacturing and distribution to the point of sale, where the RF tags on the item are deactivated. This eliminates the need for employees to spend time physically securing the tags in-store or removing them at point of sale. " ...

Via Checkpoint Systems: METRO Cash & Carry Selects Checkpoint Systems as Their Exclusive Shrink Management Global Partner

RFID Army Depot MRO Maintenance Repair Overhaul ...

Tobyhanna Depot implements WhereNet's active RFID technology to manage MRO of command and control systems for the military. ...

... "WhereNet Corp. announced that Tobyhanna Army Depot has expanded use of the standards-based WhereNet active RFID, real-time locating system (RTLS) technology to streamline the repair and overhaul of defense electronic systems at the Pennsylvania facility. Tobyhanna Army Depot performs the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems for the Defense Department. Tobyhanna initially contracted with SYS-TEC to deploy the WhereNet system in late 2004 to optimize the refurbishment of the AN/TRC-170 Microwave Communications System and AN/TPS-75 Air Defense Radar System. After extended deployment in rugged environments while supporting America's armed forces, these communications systems are shipped to Tobyhanna, where each system is disassembled, overhauled, and tested before being shipped out to the field again. With assemblies, subassemblies, components, and spare parts spread across the more than 1.9-million-square-foot refurbishment areas, WhereNet's RTLS technology provides each work center with visibility of the AN/TRC-170 and AN/TPS-75 system's work in process. " ...

Via Wherenet: TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT EXPANDS USE OF WHERENET ACTIVE RFID REAL-TIME LOCATING SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY ...

RFID Privacy Guidelines: Ontario Canada ...

Ontario Commissioner for Information and Privacy releases privacy guidelines for the field of radio frequency identification (RFID). ...

... "RFID tags contain microchips and tiny radio antennas that can be attached to products. They transmit a unique identifying number to an electronic reader, which in turn links to a computer database where information about the item is stored. RFID tags may be read from a distance quickly and easily, making them valuable for managing inventory but pose potential risks to privacy if linked to personal identifiers. RFID tags are the next generation technology from barcodes.

Although RFID technology deployed in the supply chain management process poses little threat to privacy, item-level use of RFID tags in the retail sector, when linked to personally identifiable information, can facilitate the tracking and surveillance of individuals. The goal of these Guidelines is to alleviate concerns about the potential threat to privacy posed by this technology and to enhance openness and transparency about item-level use of RFID systems by retailers. The Guidelines address key privacy issues regarding the use of RFID technology at an item-level in the retail sector, said Commissioner Cavoukian. The Guidelines are based on three overarching principles:

Focus on RFID information systems, not technologies.

Build in privacy and security from the outset – at the design stage.

Maximize individual participation and consent. " ...

RFID Privacy Guidelines: Ontario Canada: Via Canada IPC: Commissioner Cavoukian issues RFID Guidelines and Practical Tips aimed at protecting privacy

RFID Application Results: Positive on Elk Herd Tracking ...

Advanced ID Corporation reports on the results of its RFID applications study with the Colorado Department of
Agriculture with multiple herds and roughly 130 tags and readers in use. Chronic Wasting Disease – CWD is another reason for this pro-active identification effort. ...

... "Scott Leach Chronic Wasting Disease Field Investigator for Colorado Department of Agriculture has roughly 130 captive elk in a current study of the Advanced ID DataTag(tm) and Advanced ID RFID - UHF Reader.

Advanced ID Corp. President & CEO, Dan Finch attended a recent meeting at Top Rac Elk Ranch along with members of Advanced ID and members of Colorado Department of Agriculture. According to Dan Finch, We are very pleased to see our applications used to protect and enhance the value of the ranchers’ stock. This is a good example of what RFID can provide to industry and what our DataTag and the Advanced ID RFID – UHF Reader is all about. We believe our tags and readers will achieve better value for our rancher partners with superior readability and competitive or lower pricing. We currently have tags and readers on ranches in the United States, Canada, Argentina, Taiwan and Thailand mostly in limited release and in practical testing. We are launching the DataTag and the Advanced ID RFID – UHF Reader on a commercial level in the first and second quarter of 2006. " ...

RFID Application Results: Positive on Elk Herd Tracking: Via Advanced ID: RFID Provider, Advanced ID Corp. Advances Colorado Elk Program With Positive Results For Advanced ID DataTag And Advanced ID RFID – UHF Reader New Advanced ID Corp. ultra high frequency animal livestock identification system that provides superior reading distances and greater ease of use for ranchers being used in tracing multiple elk herds by Colorado Department of Agriculture.

CWD: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) affecting elk and deer (cervids) in North America. This degenerative neurological illness has affected both farmed and wild cervids in the US, thus impacting the hunting and wildlife industries as well as domestic and international markets for farmed cervids and cervid products. APHIS' response to this disease includes support of surveillance in both farmed and wild populations and assistance to State agencies for quarantine of affected animals and premises, humane euthanasia, and testing affected and exposed animals. In addition APHIS provides indemnity to animal owners for the value of positive and exposed animals euthanized in disease control efforts. A Herd Certification Program (HCP) is being developed by APHIS in coordination with states, the farmed cervid industry, and the US Animal Health Association (USAHA) to support this effort. APHIS also has assisted, and continues to assist, states with CWD surveillance and management in wild cervid populations. Finally, APHIS is working with the US Department of Interior, Tribes, and States to implement an interagency, national plan to help manage CWD in captive and wild cervids.

Advanced ID Corporation (OTCBB: AIDO) is a complete solutions provider in the radio frequency identification (RFID) market. RFID provides a means for positive identification and trace-back of animals or objects that have been identified with a microchip or RFID tag. The company has realized growth of 62% in the first two quarters of 2005, primarily through the companion animal identification segment; Advanced ID Pet Microchip, the largest provider of companion animal identification in Canada. Since 1994, Advanced ID Corporation has offered a product line of over 100 items comprised of low frequency (LF) RFID microchips, identification scanners, and a proprietary pet recovery network database to the companion animal and biological sciences markets. Advanced ID Corporation supplies over 3,000 organizations such as animal shelters, veterinarians, breeders, government agencies, universities, zoos, research labs and fisheries with LF RFID devices for companion animals, equines, bovines, llamas, alpacas, ostriches, aquatic species, reptiles, migratory and endangered species. Advanced ID Corporation has implanted LF microchips in over 450,000 animals, currently tracks nearly one million animals in a proprietary pet recovery database, and reunites numerous lost pets with their families each month. Since 2001 Advanced ID Corporation has been developing and commercializing its UHF line of food-animal and wildlife identification products and systems. Advanced ID Corporation continues to be actively involved with government and industry livestock identification and trace-back projects and pilots in Australia, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Thailand, Taiwan and the United States.

RFID SupplyChain Visibility Security ...

Universal Guardian sees increased revenue from new products, such as its RFID-enabled global supply chain visibility and security system. ...

RFID SupplyChain Visibility Security: Universal Guardian Records 5th Consecutive Quarterly Revenue Increase and Largest Quarterly Revenue to Date ...

... "We also launched our ISR Systems Trusted Shipper™ global supply chain security program with two new ground-breaking systems: The SupplyChain Guardian™ source-based RFID global supply chain security and visibility system and the Container Guardian™ integrated and interoperable internal container tracking system. " ...

ISR Systems, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Universal Guardian Holdings, Inc., provides multi-level secure, security systems that facilitate surveillance, threat detection and tracking to protect inter-modal transportation, seaport and airport facilities, and critical infrastructure from asymmetrical terrorist and security threats. ISR turn key sourced-based SupplyChain Guardian™ RFID systems and Container Guardian™ systems provide increased supply chain efficiencies, visibility and security with automated monitoring and decision support from command and control centers in North America, Europe and Asia to coordinate notification to shippers, customers and tactical responses among multiple agencies to interdict or respond to potential security threats.

RFID Sorting Door Project

Via The Sorting Door Project

... "The Sorting Door Project is an exploration of issues around Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), including of surveillance and privacy; unique identification; and classification. RFID technologies will introduce new stresses in the tension between personal privacy, and information collection and analysis. The Sorting Door is intended as a testbed for technologies and policies to address issues raised by RFID. " ...

RFID Tagging Authentication: Encrypted Shipping Manifest ...

RFID Tagging Authentication: Encrypted Shipping Manifest: SupplyChain Guardian: Multi-product, Multi-supplier, Multi-retailer and Multi-frequency ...

RFID system supports DOD standards for tagging, authentication ...

... "RFID Tagging and RFID Authentication: SupplyChain Guardian™ provides a complete turn-key solution at the source for a secure and trusted global supply chain. Our EPC compliant RFID tagging and RFID authentication system meets all world RFID commercial and U.S. Department of Defense standards and is double-byte language-enabled with full integration into major ERP platforms such as SAP and Oracle. Our Java-based system generates an encrypted shipping manifest that is securely transmitted via the Internet to suppliers, customers and Customs through network operations centers in the United States, Europe and Asia. " ...

ISR Systems Corporation’s multi-level secure, integrated and interoperable security systems provide surveillance, threat detection, and tracking to protect inter-modal transportation, seaport and airport facilities, and critical infrastructure from asymmetrical terrorist and security threats. ISR systems provide automated decision support from its command and control centers to coordinate notification and tactical responses among multiple agencies to interdict or respond to security threats.

RFID Access Control Enhancements ...

RFID Access Control Enhancements: Via TSA: Transportation Security Administration: TSA to Introduce New Technology for Access Control Enhancements ...

... "These programs will deploy various technologies, including state-of-the-art video surveillance, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards, iris scan readers, and hand geometry readers to protect against unwanted guests going to secure areas of the airport, Admiral Stone said. " ...

Revenue Driven By RFID Projects ...

Revenue Driven By RFID Projects: WFI: Wireless Facilities Reports Second Quarter Results

... "Increased revenues in the second quarter of 2005 were primarily driven by growth in WFI's government division as a result of increased demand for engineering services from the Department of Defense, new work on logistics and RFID related projects, and continued momentum in the Company's homeland security initiative. Increased demand in the enterprise division for video surveillance systems also contributed to year over year second quarter growth. " ...

Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Wireless Facilities, Inc. is an independent provider of systems engineering, network services and technical outsourcing for the world's largest wireless carriers, enterprise customers and for government agencies. The Company provides the design, deployment, integration, and the overall management of wired and wireless networks which deliver voice and data communication, and which support advanced security systems. WFI has performed work in over 100 countries since its founding in 1994.

DHS DCRSC RFID Rail Security Project ...

DHS DCRSC RFID Rail Security Project: Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. Awarded Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Washington D.C. Rail Security Corridor (DCRSC) Contract: Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc.

... "The DCRSC contract awarded by DHS has a value of $9.8 million and includes integration of several surveillance technologies, including intelligent video and radio frequency identification (RFID). Epsilon's Marine, Industrial and Security Technology Sector has supported DHS since early 2004 with installation of buffer zone surveillance systems at chemical plants throughout the country. The Epsilon team for the DCRSC Project includes Duos Technologies, Inc. (Duos), headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. " ...

Epsilon is a diversified contracting services firm providing innovative technical and operational solutions to its government, commercial and non-profit clients. The company has a national presence, supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior and prime contractors nationwide. Epsilon’s Nuclear Operations and Environmental Services Division, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico provides services to customers in California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Texas, and Washington. Epsilon offers Marine & Security Services in Portsmouth, VA, San Diego, CA and Pearl Harbor, HI. Its offices in the field of Information Technology and Communications include San Diego, CA and Arlington, VA.

Since 1990, Duos Technologies, Inc. has provided quality intelligent video, automation, information technology, and engineering services to a broad range of clientele. Duos specializes in providing automated systems with an emphasis on process controls, homeland security solutions, including intelligent digital video, instrumentation, and information technology services.

RFID Airport Access Control Pilots ...

RFID Airport Access Control Pilots: TSA | Transportation Security Administration | TSA to Introduce New Technology for Access Control Enhancements

... "TSA will pilot the technologies in five international airports: Boston's Logan, New York's John F. Kennedy, Denver, Orlando and Salt Lake City. The technology will be deployed in June 2005 and the field tests will run through summer 2005. These programs will deploy various technologies, including state-of-the-art video surveillance, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards, iris scan readers, and hand geometry readers to protect against unwanted guests going to secure areas of the airport, Admiral Stone said. " ...

RFID Tool Tracking

RFID Tool Tracking: SAFE & SOUND™ RFID Tool Tracking & Service: Bosch Pioneers RFID Tool Tracking with SAFE & SOUND Service Offering ...

... "Bosch Power Tools and Accessories and Bosch Digital Power Tools, divisions of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, announced the launch of SAFE & SOUND, the first service to provide the construction industry with the cutting edge RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology necessary to gain the operational and cost savings that next generation tool management, tracking and anti-theft applications offer. Bosch recognizes that RFID tags are the next step in the evolution of tool tagging solutions and compatible with any tool management, tracking and anti-theft application. So, in partnering with the world's top companies ToolWatch, Intermec and the number one electronic article surveillance (EAS) supplier, Bosch formed SAFE & SOUND, the industry's only one-stop, full-service RFID tool tracking and theft deterrence resource. " ...

In December 2002, Bosch Power Tools and Accessories created the Digital Power Tools line to help field project managers be more efficient in their work, communicate more effectively with subcontractors and customers, and save time and money in the office, tool crib and on the jobsite. With the expansion of this line, Bosch once again shows its commitment to its customers.

RFID and Surveillance Law: Senator Patrick Leahy ...

RFID and Surveillance Law: Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Nomination Of Michael Chertoff

... "Impact of New Technologies on Surveillance Law. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology, GPS, keystroke logging, spyware, and enhanced data storage are all developments that increase our ability to know and track individuals. These changes have created new opportunities, as well as challenges for law enforcement. An important question for the Committee is whether our wiretapping and other applicable laws have kept pace as technology has broadened the type and nature of information collection. " ...

RFID Shrink Management ...

RFID Shrink Management: Checkpoint Launches VAR Channel Partner Program to Serve Smaller Retailers

Checkpoint RFID shrink management solution meets the retail market through the VAR channel ...

... "Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), the leading provider of radio frequency-based product identification and shrink management solutions for retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers worldwide, announced the launch of its Reseller Channel Partners VAR program designed to increase the availability of Checkpoint electronic article surveillance (EAS) solutions to smaller retailers nationwide. " ...

Checkpoint Systems, Inc., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of technology-driven solutions for retail security, labeling, and merchandising. Checkpoint is the leading provider of radio frequency (RF)-based shrink management solutions to the global retail industry, including over half of the worlds top 200 largest global retailers. In addition to its shrink management capabilities, Checkpoints end-to-end supply chain technology helps apparel and consumer product manufacturers and retailers brand, track and secure goods worldwide. Checkpoint has a presence in more than 80 countries and a global network of more than 25 service bureaus located in the worlds apparel manufacturing capitals. Checkpoints technology solutions include digital RF/EAS and RFID systems, RF source tagging, bar code labeling systems, EAS, handheld labeling systems, and retail merchandising systems.

RFID Biometric Access Control: High Security Environments ...

RFID Biometric Access Control: High Security Environments: BioSecurIT Announces First Customer – The Federal Aviation Administration – to Secure Facilities Using Biometric Access Controls ...

... "BioSecurIT, Inc., a newly established manufacturer of systems for high security environments employing integrated biometrics, high resolution digital video, voice, RFID, and secure archiving, today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today took delivery of BioSecurIT's first SentryPort system. SentryPort makes certain that persons attempting to gain access to secure facilities actually are who they purport to be and are permitted to access the area. SentryPort uses unique biometric traits to confirm the identity of individuals, eliminating the possibility that a lost, stolen, duplicated, or transferred ID card could be used for unauthorized access." ...

BioSecurIT, Inc. is a manufacturer of access control, surveillance, threat prediction, and investigation systems for high security environments employing integrated biometrics, high resolution digital video, voice, RFID, and secure archiving. The Federal Aviation Administration is a unit of the U. S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. Among its duties are safety regulation, airspace and air traffic management, air navigation, civil aviation abroad, commercial space transportation, aircraft registration, and research, engineering, and development related to aviation.

RFID Venture Capital Investments ...

Industry Heavyweights Join Forces at Sennari to Solve Mobile Carriers' Biggest Problem: Senior executives create mobile loyalty services firm, attract over $2 million in Series A seed financing from investors ...

... "Novak Biddle Venture Partners, located in Bethesda, Maryland is a leading early stage venture capital firm focused on unique, cutting-edge technology investments. With over $350 million under management, Novak Biddle operates four venture funds that currently provide equity financing and management assistance to 31 portfolio companies. Novak Biddle continues to seek business situations where the combination of ideas, dollars, experience, and relationships can create long term, sustainable value. A sampling of companies funded by Novak Biddle include: RFID first-mover Matrics, VOIP trailblazer Telogy, education technology leader Blackboard Inc. and intelligent video surveillance pioneer ObjectVideo. " ...

Sennari provides mobile carriers, game publishers, music and video publishers and other content based entertainment companies with solutions for maintaining customer loyalty, reducing churn and creating new revenue streams.

RFID Tags Baggage Screening ...

Hearing on Checked Baggage Screening Systems: TESTIMONY OF ROGER W. RIMINGTON, CHIEF AVIATION SECURITY CONSULTANT ...

... "In concert with surveillance and profiling, utilize a system to Radio Frequency (RFID) tag bags to ensure that selected bags will be rejected at level 1 and sent to level 2 for enhanced search. R.F. tags need to be recovered at the baggage sortation area and used again. (There are probably better alternatives to R.F. tagging available now) R.F. tagging of High Risk bags (selected by CAPPS) along with an alarm signal to the Baggage Screening System Room to scrutinise in outside mode ensures that this does not block or clog the overall system. " ...

RFID Readers: Where Headed? ...

Agenda

... "Experts predict Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology will replace the bar code in the next decade, because of the efficiencies it creates. Unlike bar codes, RFID tags can be made in tiny formats, some no larger than a grain of salt, and the tags don't have to be manually scanned. Instead, RFID tags send out a radio signal that can be captured at a distance and at indirect angles by RFID readers, eliminating the need for an employee with a hand-held scanner to read a label. Retailers and manufacturers hope to save millions by automating the shipping and inventory process and reducing theft using RFID. In late August 2003, Wal-Mart announced it would require its top 100 suppliers to put RFID tags on all pallets and cases of shipped products by January 2005 and require the rest of its suppliers to begin using RFID tags by 2006. Privacy advocates fear RFID will become as omnipresent as video surveillance and give marketers another method of tracking people's movements and shopping behaviors. " ...