RFID(Radio Frequency Identification)Chips Vulnerable to Viruses

[RedEarth]

Radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, currently being used to replace barcodes, are capable of being infected with computer viruses, researchers have reported.

Scientists at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam developed an RFID chip infected with a virus to prove that the systems are vulnerable. Many had believed that RFID tags were invulnerable to such infection because they have little memory capacity.

The researchers noted that the chip vulnerability is of particular concern because the tags are used with wireless devices that often transmit information back to a central source.

Because some of these digital pathways are not secured, an RFID virus could use the system to infect a central database or corporate network. The researchers envisioned scenarios in which database corruption would be the most likely outcome.


Beyond simply affecting a single company, RFID security issues have the potential to disrupt a host of industries because many manufacturers either are implementing the technology now or are considering rolling it out.

http://www.sci-tech-today.com/news/RFID-Chips-Vulnerable-to-Viruses/story.xhtml?story_id=10000B5Y3O08

[Dr.Phool]

1. Good

I hope someone infects every last one of them with a virus, rendering them useless. Like we really need a Big Brother chip in everything.

[saigon68]

2. Good it was only a matter of time

Until they are hacked

[Warpy]

4. Never underestimate the code kiddies

because they'll find a way to hack anything.

Good for them, this time.

[kineneb]

7. that which has been programmed...

...can be hacked

especially if you supply the teenagers with sufficent pizza and soda...

[w13rd0]

3. GREAT!

This has the potential for some very useful and entertaining applications. Imagine walking into a store and suddenly, the stores inventory system reports that there is nothing there. It's all just "vanished". LOL. Hey, I work in the IT field, I make my living off vulnerabilities and snafus, and have no problem taking extreme joy in yet another massive rollout without forethought as to potential implications.

[Megahurtz]

5. I'm not sure if this will stop Neo-Cons though.

They're just chompin' at the bit for their "New World Order".

[UpInArms]

6. although I have hated all those virus and spyware writers

I would have to salute one that did something to the RFIDs.

:evilgrin: