Real ID A Security Risk!

After reading this post about the Real ID, I thought I would post some info about the technology behind the Real ID, RFID. Currently there are many debates about the Real ID, but one debate that caught my attention was about the technology that is being used. The proposal is that the Real ID will have a scannable radio frequency technology that will allow it to be scanned from a distance.

This technology will allow for information such as date of birth, drivers license number and address to be scanned from a distance. Stores like Wal-Mart are already using this technology as part of their inventory tracking system. After you purchase something and walk out the door their inventory tracking system automatically updates their store inventory. There are many good uses for RFID technology but the technology is insecure. Many computer security experts have warned that the technology is not secure enough to be in a National ID card. They site many different possibilities but the number one concern is an increase in ID theft.

With the government mandating that the states adopt the Real ID program it is a very real possibility that we could have a National ID card that practically gives away or information. Whether or not RFID is used in the Real ID or not it is important to that whatever technology is used is secure.

Below are some links to articles that are either related to the Real ID or the technology behind it RFID.

RFID technology to be used in the REAL ID


The Real ID card: the machine readable you - Engadget

National ID cards on the way? - CNET News.com

CNN.com - Why the 'Real ID' Act is a real mess - Aug 12, 2005

State Bill to Limit RFID

Feds Rethinking RFID Passport



Security issues with the Real ID

RFID tags become hacker target - CNET News.com

RFID credit cards easily hacked with $8 reader - Engadget

Battle brewing over RFID chip-hacking demo | InfoWorld | News | 2007-02-26 | By Paul F. Roberts

Wired 14.05: The RFID Hacking Underground

Schneier on Security: REAL ID

Radio-frequency identification - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

RFID | Electronic Frontier Foundation




Info on the Real ID Act

REAL ID Act - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Real ID | Electronic Frontier Foundation

FAQ: How will Real ID affect you? | CNET News.com

A lack of federal funding for Real ID leaves states in the lurch