I must agree with the "Mr. Real-Life-Security Guy", as he was referred to. I have worked in the Automation Industry for the past 3 years, specifically in Technical Support, working with one of the leading RFID manufacturers. With the technology that is currently available there is no way that is possible, let alone feasible to be using RFID to track the General public. And even when the technology advances, the inherent difficulties are phenomenal. At the current rate of advancement in the technology, you won't have to worry about them using it to track as it wouldn't happen in your life time.
Some of the issues that were discussed are down right ridiculous, a thief being able to read how much money you have in your pocket. Even with today's technology, the government would have the capability of putting a 32 character password in the chip to prevent the data being read. The portable receiver would pick up that something is there, but wouldn't be able to decode what is there. So basically he would know that you have money, or a credit card, or a license, it could be anything.
The other issues, like the tires, first off, what is providing McDonald's with your name and what tires you bought really going to do for them, you are a another one of millions of customers, buying their product, do you think they care who you are. The other part of that is... Do any of you paranoids drive a BMW that is less than 3 years old, because it has an RFID tag on it too. And if you were to get your hands on a portable reader, figured out where the tag was, got within the required 3" of it and knew the password. You would be able to read the car's VIN, Model type, Engine Type and colour. Exciting info, I'm sure.
I guess my point with all that rambling has been said before, is that companies are using this technology to save themselves money, and make product tracking throughout the creation and shipping process easier. They don't care who you are, just that you are purchasing their product, and this is a method through which they can ensure their product gets there with the fewest amount of defects and in the most cost effective manner.
If you truly believe they are going to use this technology to track you, you must lead an extremely exciting life, trying to hide from all those people who are out to get you.

Mark Robertson
Automation Specialist
Gescan

[ reply ]

Link to this comment: http://www.securityfocus.com/comments/columns/169/20614#20614