ABSTRACT
Perhaps the most sensitive RFID application to date involves the use of RFID technology with government passports. The issuance of the U.S. E-passport began on August 14, 2006. E-passports contain the same information as conventional passports but also include an RFID chip in the rear cover of the passport. Since the rst E-passports were issued, a great deal of public criticism has arisen. Some tests by independent parties indicate that it is possible to overcome the built-in security and privacy measures incorporated into E-passports (Miller, 2006; Ricker, 2006; Schneider, 2005). However, whether or not these potential weaknesses can be illegally exploited by illegal aliens and terrorist groups has yet to be determined. In this chapter, we will begin with a basic description of how the E-passport functions and continue with a discussion of security issues.
