August 21, 2006
US Government Inconsistent About The Use Of RFID?
The Inspector General (IG) of the US DHS (Dept of Homeland Security) feels that RFID systems need certain vulnerabilities be addressed before the Department's systems could be considered completely secure. The IG also said that there is no department-wide policy dictate how agencies should implement security for their RFID systems. A plan of action is currently being devised. [via FCW]
I find it surprising that the DHS, an agency whose very existence has to do with security, wouldn't already have a draft document in place before the fact, before any RFID trials ever took place. (At least, that's what appears to be the case.) Maybe I'm just naive.
Then again, large organizations often have several similar projects in place that are run unaware of each other. The result, in this case, is that some branches of the government have differing opinions on how RFID should or should not be used. (For example, the DHS privacy office criticized the potential use of RFID for tracking people.)
This in turn has cause programs like the DHS's WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) to be set aside while e-passports are already being handed out.
--
Did you enjoy this post?
« RFID Roundup - Mon Aug 21/06 | Main | Mississippi Blood Services RFID Trial »
