RFIDs (Radio Frequency Identification)
Definition:
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology uses radio waves to identify objects and people. An identification system consists of an RFID reader (also called a scanner), set to a particular electromagnetic frequency, and an RFID tag, which consists of a microchip connected to an antenna. The microchip contains information that is transmitted to the scanner when the chip is within its range.
The chips are extremely small; they can be attached to identification cards, for example, or even embedded beneath the skin of a person or animal.
RFID technology is already used to identify and track consumer goods, as well as livestock, who have chips embedded with serial numbers embedded in their skin.
RFIDs ability to associate unique identification numbers with any object, animal or person has made it appealing among security professionals. Potential security purposes for RFIDs include putting them in smart cards and in passports, or in large currency denominations.
The Department of Homeland Security is currently testing the use of RFID tags for foreign visitors coming through Arizona, New York, and Washington State. Visitors are assigned tags upon entry that track their border crossings. The U.S. promises that the tags will not contain biometric or other identifying information, and that the serial codes will only be legible to government recording devices.
Return to: Technologies and Terrorism: New, Updated and Controversial Counterterrorism Tech
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology uses radio waves to identify objects and people. An identification system consists of an RFID reader (also called a scanner), set to a particular electromagnetic frequency, and an RFID tag, which consists of a microchip connected to an antenna. The microchip contains information that is transmitted to the scanner when the chip is within its range.
The chips are extremely small; they can be attached to identification cards, for example, or even embedded beneath the skin of a person or animal.
RFID technology is already used to identify and track consumer goods, as well as livestock, who have chips embedded with serial numbers embedded in their skin.
RFIDs ability to associate unique identification numbers with any object, animal or person has made it appealing among security professionals. Potential security purposes for RFIDs include putting them in smart cards and in passports, or in large currency denominations.
The Department of Homeland Security is currently testing the use of RFID tags for foreign visitors coming through Arizona, New York, and Washington State. Visitors are assigned tags upon entry that track their border crossings. The U.S. promises that the tags will not contain biometric or other identifying information, and that the serial codes will only be legible to government recording devices.
Return to: Technologies and Terrorism: New, Updated and Controversial Counterterrorism Tech
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