RFID, the wireless technology that has helped
millions of people around the world to protect their property and
make their workplaces safer is now in danger of being viewed as a
security risk. Ray Stanton examines the love-hate relationship
between people and Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] tags and
highlights the need for informed debate about the privacy issues the
technology raises.
RFID is an area of automatic identifi cation that is gaining
momentum and is considered by some to emerge as one of
the most pervasive computing technologies in history. In its
simplest form, RFID is a similar concept to bar coding. It is
seen as a means of enhancing data processes and is comple-
mentary to existing technologies. It is a proven technology
that has been in use since the 1970s.
The secret cipher that secures Mifare Classic RFID tags used in access control systems, subway
tickets, and various other security-related applications has recently been disclosed
