In a previous Rush Passport™ passport blog, security loopholes in the new passports, e-passports, enhanced driver’s licenses and US Passport Cards were exposed. The technology that is being compromised is included in the RFID (radio frequency identification tags).
Every new US Passport issued since 2007 has been designed with a computer chip embedded on its back cover. The technology employed in these passports include wireless radio frequency identification (RFID). Professor Avishai Wool at Tel Aviv University’s School of Electrical Engineering in Israel and his students demonstrated how simple it is to disrupt the radio frequency using simple devices constructed from disposable cameras and copper pipes.
Now, piggy-backing off of Professor Wool’s research, Chris Paget has constructed a device which operates out of his vehicle. The device is able to find and then reproduce the ‘unique’ RFID from US Passport Cards.
Paget recently drove around in downtown San Francisco for 20 minutes looking to pick up RFID signals. In his drive, the device successfully duplicated the tags of two US Passport Cards unbeknownst to the owners.
Due to the fact that the technology does not employ encryption and can be read from distances of over a mile, the tags are susceptible to cloning and tracking.
While the RFID chips in the US Passport are not as easy to clone as the ones in the US Passport Cards or the enhanced driver’s licenses, they are still not 100% secure.
To combat this problem, US Passport Cards are issued with a protective sleeve. US Passport Card holders are advised to keep the passport card in the sleeve when the card is not in use.
If you are interested in getting a US Passport, a US Passport Card or any other passport services before the rate increase, visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Agency.
Tags: e-passports, new passports, passport blog, Passport Services, passports, RFID, rush passport, US passport, US Passport Card, US Passport Cards