Feb 23, 2010

Dutch hackers clone Elvis ePassport

The United States, Canada, the European Union and other developed countries have been introducing electronically reinforced passports in which a radio-frequency ID (RFID) chip is implanted in the ePassport's cover.

The chip duplicates much of the information printed in the passport such as photo, name, address, place of birth and a fingerprint. Scanners read the chip when the traveler crosses a border.

Sound secure and safe?

Think again.

A group of Dutch hackers has shown the vulnerability of the new "ePassports" by making, and then using, one for Elvis Presley.

Even worse, they tell you exactly how to do it.

Hackers and computer-security experts have repeatedly shown that the passport RFID chips are easy to read and "clone," even through a wire mesh the U.S. added to ePassports a couple of years ago.

Now the Dutch group's taken it a step further by not just cloning, but creating an entirely new fake ePassport for a very famous dead man.

More here.