Story URL:
<http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/wireless/0,39020348,39147338,00.htm>
<<...OLE_Obj...>> Anti-RFID tags protect privacy
Matt Hines <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
CNET News.com
February 25, 2004, 08:35 GMT
Computer-security software maker RSA Security on Tuesday introduced a new
technology for protecting information emitted by radio frequency
identification tags.
The RFID cloaking system is intended to guard proprietary data located on
chips used to carry product information. The RSA Blocker Tag technology uses
a jamming system designed to confuse RFID readers and prevent those devices
from tracking data on individuals or goods outside certain boundaries.
RFID tags, whose descriptive information is read via radio frequency
technology, are expected to allow manufacturers and retailers to greatly
improve inventory tracking. Considered a more advanced replacement for
existing barcode technology, the systems have created a significant buzz
among businesses looking to cut overhead through more intelligent management
of products and supply chains. But a major obstacle threatening widespread
adoption of RFID is concern that the chips might allow unsolicited
collection of product data, creating a privacy risk for consumers.
At its security conference taking place this week in San Francisco, RSA is
offering demonstrations of the RFID-blocking tool in a mock pharmacy
setting. In that scenario, the pharmacy would provide customers with special
bags armed with the RSA Blocker Tags in order to keep RFID readers from
gathering data.
The blocker tags work by emitting radio frequencies designed to trick RFID
readers into believing that they are being presented with unwanted data, or
spam, causing the information collection devices to shun the incoming
transmission. RSA claims that by placing an RFID-loaded product into a
parcel bearing one of the blocker tags, the system would cause RFID readers
to miss any information carried by the product in the bag, thereby
protecting consumers.
When a product is taken out of a bag armed with the blocking system, readers
would again be able to scan the RFID tag accurately, the company said. Using
the pharmacy example, RSA said a prescription bottle could not be scanned
when protected but when unshielded could provide useful prescription
information.
The company also promised that its cloaking system would not interfere with
the normal operation of RFID systems or allow hackers to use security
technology to bypass theft control systems or launch denial-of-service
attacks.
"The promise of RFID will require infrastructure and process changes, and it
will also present huge security and privacy challenges," Burt Kaliski, chief
scientist of RSA Laboratories, said in a statement.
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