Friday, August 24, 2007

RFID Considered to Manage Responsible Logging

Malaysia considering the use of RFID technology to manage logging in its forests. ...

... "He would propose that RFID tags be fitted to tree trunks in selected zones of forest reserves, especially in areas prone to illegal logging. " ...


Changes to curb illegal logging

Labels: , , , , ,





Thursday, July 26, 2007

RFID EDL Enhanced Driver License System

Digimarc partners with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) to implement the new Enhanced Driver License (EDL). The Enhanced Driver License has traditional security features and also features digital watermark, RFID identification chip, and a machine readable zone. The EDL supports the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which requires all citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes identity and nationality to enter or re‑enter the United States from within the Western Hemisphere. ...

... "Washington DOL and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have agreed to run an initiative that allows the EDL to be used as an alternative travel document to re-enter the United States through sea and land border crossings. Digimarc will supply Washington DOL with applicant enrollment and screening solutions as well as production of the RFID-enabled EDL. Washington's enhanced driver license system will utilize Digimarc applicant screening solutions to verify an applicant's identity documents; data such as name and address; and facial biometrics to ensure that only one license is issued to one legitimate card holder. Digimarc launched ExianSmart, its chip-enabled driver license solution last year in anticipation of States' needs for new applications of the driver license. The Digimarc ExianSmart driver license for Washington will include RFID technology that is compatible with the DHS Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative program. This will offer a convenient and cost-effective option for citizens to carry a single credential that meets their driving, identity, and land and sea border crossing needs. " ...


Via Digimarc: Digimarc will provide the Washington State Department of Licensing with applicant enrollment and screening solutions, and produce the state's RFID-enabled Enhanced Driver License

Labels: , , , , , ,





Tuesday, July 10, 2007

RFID Laptop Asset Management

Axcess implements RFID asset management system at Universidad Regiomontana in Mexico to secure laptops. ...

... "The University deployed Axcess' ActiveTag RFID physical computer asset protection solution in January 2006 with the goal of reversing asset theft and enhancing personnel tracking. Prior to implementation the university suffered a rate of 10-15 percent in laptop thefts on a regular basis. Following the use of the system, the thefts have been reduced to zero.

Axcess' patented ActiveTagTM RFID/RTLS and sensing systems use small, re-usable battery-powered tags (generically called Dual-Active tags) that when automatically activated, transmit a wireless message typically 30 to 100 feet to hidden palm size receivers. The receivers are connected via standard network simultaneously to the enterprise system software, the existing security alarm equipment, and standalone middleware and end-user software provided by Axcess under the OnlineSurpervisor label. With tags being activated only on-demand and only at control point locations, the system is highly reliable and accurate, with the tags lasting five years or longer depending on the battery being used. The Axcess Control Point architecture has been found to be more reliable than other local positioning methods using Wi-Fi systems or signal strength measurements. Its activation-based positioning can determine if an asset has left a secured area down to 1 foot of accuracy and can also determine its direction. The system alerts responsible personnel on an exception basis, freeing up asset management personnel for other critical tasks. Axcess recently introduced a new, low profile high-powered RFID asset tag measuring only 1in by 3in by 1/4in high. It is uniquely capable of reliably tagging solid metal IT assets, a feat typically difficult for wireless tags. " ...


Via Axcess: RFID Stops University Laptop and Identity Thefts

Labels: , , , , , , , ,





Monday, June 11, 2007

TagSYS RFID Library Tag Family

TAGSYS Folio 370L Tag Family based on NXP’s new ICODE SLI-L IC is introduced to meet the requirements of the library RFID market. The Folio 370L Tag Family provides high performance, password protected Electronic Article Surveillance and meets the emerging NISO (US National Information Standards Organization) data model standard for libraries. ...

... "The TAGSYS Folio 370L Tag Family and NXP ICODE SLI-L feature advanced communication signaling resulting in up to 20% better read range as well as a password protected EAS feature protecting against illicit manipulation of the theft protection, thus maximizing performance, reliability and security in the application. In addition, to comply with the emerging global NISO and Danish data model standard, designed to standardize tag data across the library industry, the Folio 370L Tag Family and ICODE SLI-L are ISO 15693 compliant, and feature a 256bit user memory block and standard AFI security code. With the unique privacy feature the book label can be transformed into a quiet mode, when it is borrowed, protecting the privacy of the borrower. Back in the library it will be reverted into public mode again. Standardization under the NISO and Danish data model will accelerate RFID adoption within the library segment by ensuring interoperability from book manufacturer to library. " ...


Via TagSYS: RFID Library Tagging Solution

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,





Wednesday, June 06, 2007

RFID Trade Lane Project Enables Shanghai Route

Shanghai-Savannah Express Trade Lane Project will use RFID technology to manage this supply chain route. ...

Port of Shanghai uses RFID technology to manage trade lanes

... "SIPG and Savi Networks have jointly developed a localized China RFID solution which includes electronic seal and GPS integrated handheld for this project. This solution builds on a project previously conducted by SIPG from Shanghai to Yantai and will facilitate SIPG's objective of being a global information and logistics hub. The solution will be built upon an open, international standards-based network platform, including compatibility with ISO standard 18000-7 for active RFID devices and ISO standard 18185 for electronic container security devices, both operating at the 433.92 MHz radio frequency. " ...


Via Savi Technology: Shanghai International Port Group, Georgia Ports Authority and Savi Networks Plan Real-Time Information Pilot on Cargo Shipped From Shanghai to Savannah

Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,





Saturday, June 02, 2007

RFID Shield Protects Private Information

New stock will protect info privacy on RFID cards when not in active use. ...

... "Paper Tyger, a product line of Chase Corporation, announces the addition of a unique easily printable new product for protecting personal information on contact-less credit cards or Smart Cards. This new patent-pending RFID Shield contains a new security barrier to assure that sensitive information contained on the card's RFID chip remains protected when not in use. " ...


Paper Tyger Launches New RFID Shield

Labels: , , , , , , , ,





Saturday, May 12, 2007

RFID Exam Security

RFID will secure examination packages from breach of security, such as being opened inadvertently prior to the designated test date. ...

... "Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an evolving technology enabler for tracking goods and services (i.e. tags on CDs and clothes in shops). A significant number of exam packages (bags) will contain an RFID tag. Exam packages would be scanned out on despatch and can be scanned by Edexcel's Compliance team at any time after delivery to identify the contents and ensure no papers are missing. Edexcel is also able to detect anomalies in exam results for an individual student or group of students. 90% of Edexcel's scripts are scanned, digitised and marked online by examiners using the ePen system. " ...


Via Edexcel: RFID Secures Exam Papers

Labels: , , , , , , ,





Wednesday, May 09, 2007

RFA RFID Technology Provides DVD Theft Protection in Supply Chain

NXP Semiconductors and Kestrel Wireless collaborate to develop an RFA (Radio Frequency Activation) RFID solution to provide DVD theft protection throughout the supply chain. The solution enables the ability to disable DVDs at manufacture and enable at the point of sale, rendering the in-transit goods useless while in the supply chain, which eliminates the motive for theft. ...

NXP Semiconductors integrates RFID technology into DVD theft protection

... "The first application of NXP and Kestrel's RFA / RFID solution will be integrated into optical media. The solution, however, is applicable to all consumer electronics products, such as MP3 players, electric shavers, toothbrushes, flat screen TVs, ink jet cartridges and flash memory. NXP and Kestrel's network-based RFID solution opens up new opportunities for the distribution of optical media and consumer electronics. It eliminates expensive security devices, restrictive packaging and display cages, enabling a more comfortable shopping experience for consumers. Minimized product packaging creates more environmentally friendly solutions, such as paper instead of plastics. Additionally, the costs and problems of returns for DVDs and other disc-based media are reduced. " ...


Via NXP: NXP and Kestrel Wireless partner to eliminate theft of DVDs in retail

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Saturday, April 28, 2007

NIST RFID Security Guidelines and Recommendations

NIST provides guidelines for security of RFID technology. ... A sample of their recommendations are organized by phase of RFID implementation - initiation (prior to design), acquisition and development, implementation, operations and maintenance, and, finally, disposition. In the initiation phase, NIST recommends performing risk assessment to understand threats posed by RFID to the organizations assets. A usage policy should be created that defines assets that should be tagged with RFID and who has the authority to determine what assets get tagged. A transparent privacy policy for RFID should be establised. The organization's information security policy should be updated with regard to the introduction of RFID technology. A training program should be established for the users of the RFID solution that emphasizes security and privacy. Document the RFID standards that you comply with. Disable or destroy RFID tags upon disosal. Other recommendations are in the reference report (PDF). ...

NIST RFID security recommendations

... "RFID devices send and/or receive radio signals to transmit identifying information such as product model or serial numbers. They come in a wide variety of types and sizes, from the size of a grain of rice or printed on paper to much larger devices with built in batteries. Unlike bar coding systems, RFID devices can communicate without requiring a line of sight and over longer distances for faster batch processing of inventory and can be outfitted with sensors to collect data on temperature changes, sudden shocks, humidity or other factors affecting products. As RFID devices are deployed in more sophisticated applications from matching hospital patients with laboratory test results to tracking systems for dangerous materials, concerns have been raised about protecting such systems against eavesdropping and unauthorized uses. " ...


NIST Issues Guidelines for Ensuring RFID Security

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,





Thursday, April 26, 2007

Point-of-Payment RFID Solutions Enables Customer Experience For Unattended Applications

RCD Technology and Innovative Control Systems collaborate to improve point-of-payment (POP) terminals through integration of application-optimized RFID tags, that have been piloted in automated car wash applications. ...

RFID piloted in automated car wash applications goes mainstream in point-of-purchase applications

... "The enhancement of its POP terminals with optional RFID technology improves the overall consumer experience by enabling the customization of service offerings to suit individual preferences. Businesses that deploy the RFID tags benefit from the improved customer experience as well as the security provided by the vehicle-specific nature of the tags. The RFID tags are placed on the vehicle and destroyed if removed; guaranteeing that only the proper vehicle receives the services and benefits of the program. RCD's patented RFID tag fabrication process enables the production of an almost endless array of application-optimized tags for new and emerging RFID applications. In this case, ICS required a tag that enabled an adequate read distance, yet was unobtrusive and secure. The resulting UHF label produced by RCD meets all these requirements and also includes a customized ICS logo and a human-readable ID number. " ...


Via RCD Technology: RCD-produced tags provide new levels of flexibility and security for businesses using unattended Point-of-Payment terminals ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,





Monday, April 23, 2007

McAfee on RFID Security Weaknesses

McAfee analysts recognize the positive possibilities of new technology, such as RFID, but are wary of the emerging opportunities to monitor and gather critical data surreptitiously. Sustaining security is critical to the long-term viability of these technologies. ...

... "Current RFID technology is vulnerable to eavesdropping, recording, cloning, and forgery. RFID readers could contain vulnerabilities that would allow RFID chips to contain exploits to steal information from backend databases. Proof-of-concept attacks are becoming more common and mass production of the technology has driven the cost of the devices way down, which has more manufacturers jumping onto the bandwagon." ...



Via McAfee: The Future of Cybercrime (PDF) ...

Labels: , , , , , , , ,





Wednesday, April 18, 2007

RFID Tech Enables Lafinca Reebok Sports Club Customer Experience

LEGIC all-in-one-card goes well beyond access control for European sports club

The Reebok Sports Club La Finca leverages an efficient access control system, installed by LEGIC Identsystems' impolementation partner, Gantner Technologies. LEGIC's RFID contactless technology is installed at the Calle Serrano Reebok Club in Madrid. The LEGIC partnership is realizing benefits, through efficiency that resulted EUR70,000 in annual savings. Members benefit from simple access control, increased security, and the ability to obtain various services. The Club has implemented the contactless credentials for 6000 members using these form factors: fabric and plastic bracelet, a watch, and a card. Access turnstiles at the club support two readers (one for entry and one for exit). The company is able to better understand the customer experience at the club. ...

La Finca Reebok Sports Club in Madrid, Spain uses RFID access control to improve the customer service experience

... "But the services provided by the LEGIC all-in-one-card go well beyond mere access control. Members can use their contactless smartcard to reserve the locker they want, and they can purchase minutes in the sun cabin by using their LEGIC smart card. Lastly, the Club is about to install a new LEGIC based application on the all-in-one-card so that members do not need to worry about having small change and notes on them if they want to purchase food and drink in the Club's cafeteria, because they will be able to pay for it using their card or bracelet with integrated LEGIC chip. " ...


LEGIC RFID contactless smart card

Via LEGIC Identsystems AG: Reebok Sports Club La Finca opts for LEGIC technology at its sports facilities

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Tuesday, April 17, 2007

RFID Laptop Asset Protection For Federal Agencies

Axcess implements RFID to support secure laptop asset management at federal government agencies
AXCESS provides three civilian U.S. Government agencies with its ActiveTag(TM) wireless RFID system for locating, tracking and protecting laptop computer assets and critical documents. The RFID implementation addresses the theft of laptops and other assets, which have been reported by groups including the FBI and IRS. This RFID solution can prevent assets thefts by automatically identifying, locating and tracking assets as they move around a facility. AXCESS RFID tags use small, re-usable battery-powered tags that transmit a wireless message up to 100 feet to hidden palm size receivers. The receivers are connected via networking to software that monitors the assets. The tags are activated only on-demand and only at control point locations. ...

... "In October 2006, the Congressional Committee on Government Reform found that all 19 civilian agencies reported losing personally identifiable information. AXCESS' ActiveTag(TM) system provides a proven solution to this problem that works in concert with standard security alarm equipment, to identify authorized personnel and provide instant message alerts when unauthorized individuals attempt to remove tagged laptops or other assets. The technology, which manages assets with no manual human involvement, can identify a laptop by using a small battery-powered property tag that is attached to the computer, often with an optional anti-tamper circuit that serves as a fail safe measure. " ...


Via AXCESS: Solution Solving Government Laptop Theft Problem

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,





Monday, April 16, 2007

RFID Open-Standards Benefits Container Tracking Per Pilot

Recent active RFID pilot project using Oracle and Savi Technology infrastructure validates the need for common standards to realize benefits in port operations. RFID-enabled seaborne shipping containers provide real-time tracking status in the Asian supply chain tested in the pilot, using EPC Information Services (EPCIS), a draft standard championed by GS1 EPCglobal. The objective of this effort is to enable greater transport visibility across stakeholders, countries and continents. ...

... "The benefits seem clear, but many vendors and end users believe that the prerequisites for greater RFID adoption in this sector are a common nomenclature for RFID data, and a standard framework for the way in which that information is shared via open standards such as EPCIS. The EPCglobal pilot with Savi and Oracle represents a significant step towards the practical realization of a truly useful standard, notes Liard. It is the first real-world demonstration among port operators of the potential created when multiple trading partners and service providers can speak the same language. " ...


Via ABI ResearchContainer Tracking Pilot Highlights the Benefits of RFID Standards in Port Management

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Saturday, April 07, 2007

RFID Module Innovation Awarded

SkyeTek wins the EDN 17th Annual Innovation Award in the Computers, Boards, and Buses category for its M9 SkyeModule. The M9 is half the size of a business card and is targeted to item-level inventory, product authentication, and patron management. ...

... "Based on SkyeTek's Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA), the M9 leads the RFID industry in UHF reader price-performance and meets regulatory compliance requirements for the world's major markets including North America, Europe (ETSI 302 208), Korea, and Japan. The M9's ReaderWare Embedded software stack allows application logic, policies, and advanced security to be executed on the reader allowing unprecedented levels of intelligence to be delivered to the products in which the M9 gets embedded. This award is the second distinction for SkyeTek in the past week. On March 29, SkyeTek's customer ADASA was announced the winner of CMP's Excellence in RFID Technology Award for its SkyeTek-enabled PAD3500, a low-cost, wearable mobile encoder that supports the encoding of UHF RFID tags anywhere. " ...


Via SkyeTek: M9 RFID Reader Module Wins Electronic Design News 17th Annual Innovation Award

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Friday, April 06, 2007

LIME RFID Tag Secure Encryption of Item-Level Data

SecureRF Corp introduces the LIME RFID-Tag, which is a battery-assisted passive tag with security technology that authenticates and encrypts data communications on the tag. It can be used at the item-level that only allows authorized readers to access the sensitive information on the tag. The company will begin deployment of the LIME tag in the pharmaceutical industry supply chain. The RFID tag will support authentication and data protection to address drug counterfeiting through cryptographic methods that translate into an electronic seal. ...

SecureRF introduces the LIME tag that offers secure RFID capability for item-level tracking in the pharmaceutical supply chain

... "The company's strong LIghtweight Multistream Encryption Tag (LIME Tag) is based on SecureRF and industry standard security protocols. SecureRF's solutions include integration technology that allows its tags to be used with most of today's Gen 2 compliant readers without the need for firmware upgrades. This will allow currently deployed systems to easily upgrade to a fully secured supply chain with little cost or change to their current network. Mike McGregor, formerly a lead RFID chip designer at Alien Technology Corp. and one of the industry's foremost RFID chip engineers, is in charge of creating the new LIME Tag. SecureRF's founders include three world-class mathematicians / cryptographers who developed the cryptographic algorithm. " ...


Via SecureRF: LIME Tag authenticates and encrypts data communications on the tag ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Monday, March 26, 2007

RFID Healthcare Sample-Management Authenticity

Iris International will use SkyeTek RFID solution to enable specimen management for healthcare samples. ...

Iris will use RFID technology to better manage samples

... "Iris will integrate an M2 HF SkyeModule with ReaderWare Security into the iQ200 Urinalysis System that will read data on the RFID-tagged consumable reagent system. With the M2 incorporated, the iQ200 will now be able to check for reagent type, manufacturing date, and authenticity each time the reagent system is used for sample testing. Zebra's R110Xi-HF RFID printer, which also utilizes SkyeTek's M2 as its internal reader engine, will generate an encrypted, tag-specific digital fingerprint and encode it onto the reagent label as it is being printed. " ...


Via SkyeTek: Secure RFID Solution to Enhance Patient Safety

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Sunday, March 25, 2007

WA-State RFID License Border Pilot

Washington will pilot RFID-enabled driver's license for border crossings. ...

Washinton State border crossing will pilot RFID driver's license

... "The alternative license will contain a Radio Frequency Identification chip, commonly known as RFID, which the guard booths will use to scan the license as a traveler or trucker pulls up to the booth. " ...


Via Seattle Post-Intelligencer: RFID Border Pilot

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the State of Washington to launch a pilot program that will enhance the security of state driver's licenses and potentially serve as an acceptable alternative document for crossing the United States' land and sea borders. The Washington pilot program is one possible compliance alternative to Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements. As early as January 2008, U.S. citizens reentering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, or Bermuda by land or sea, including ferries, may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

The enhanced driver's license will be slightly more expensive than a standard Washington state driver's license and will require proof of citizenship, identity, and residence, as well as contain security features similar to a U.S. passport. "

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Friday, March 23, 2007

Barbados RFID Port Security Solution Integrates For Threat Detection

AXCESS International Inc. will implement an RFID-integrated port security system at the Port of Bridgetown in Barbados ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2007. The system includes AXCESS' ActiveTag technology and infrastructure and integrates wireless sensors and underwater cameras for detection and management of security threats. ...

RFID security system planned for Barbados port

... "The system includes AXCESS' unique ActiveTag(TM) technology and infrastructure; wireless sensors; and underwater cameras that work in concert to detect and manage security threats. The ActiveTag technology is designed to dramatically increase security coverage at the Port by automating the capture of a broad collection of real-time security information. The system has the capability for real time processing of the data, which enables automatic delivery of exception-based alerts for security personnel. The system is currently being installed and is expected to be completed in phases over the first half of 2007. " ...


Via AXCESS International: $2 Million Contract for Integrated RFID and Sensor Port Security Solution in Barbados

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,





Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Active RFID Technology Secures Port of Oakland

WhereNet Corp. will assist the Port of Oakland in meeting security requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by implementing a truck RFID tagging system at one of its most active marine terminals. Drayage trucks at the Oakland International Container Terminal (OICT) will be equipped with WhereNet active RFID tags. ...

WhereNet supports Port of Oakland security improvements with RFID technology

... "The Port of Oakland has purchased 1,700 WhereTag active RFID transmitters and is contracting with WhereNet and eModal to distribute the tags to drayage companies that serve the OICT, which is operated by Stevedoring Services of America Terminals (SSAT). WhereNet has completed installation of RFID readers at OICT and drivers using that terminal are already voluntarily installing the tags on their truck cabs. When a driver arrives at the terminal and approaches security, a transmission from the WhereTag is picked up by the WhereNet Real-Time Locating System (RTLS) infrastructure of antennas installed at each marine terminal and automatically cross-references with the information available through the eModal trucking database, ensuring that only authorized vehicles are granted entry. The Port of Oakland's security initiative should be bolstered by the recent DHS decision, announced on January 9, 2007, to award increased grant funding to help secure California ports this year. " ...


Active RFID Technology Improves Security at Port of Oakland

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,