Blackhacker

If there is any doubt that some form of the controversial REAL ID act will implemented, one only needs to take a look at this map, from an article on CNET. From my count it looks like 31 states (62% of the Nation) have said that they intend to comply with REAL ID as written now. Fourteen states (28%) can go either way, and the Holds outs are just 5 states, (10%) of the Nation, by state.

A wise man once said :

One might note that easiest way to “prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication of the document for fraudulent purposes” is to NOT PUT IT ON THE CARD.

This was in reference to the Federal Government’s decision to use RFID, as part of the Government Issue IDs that comply with the REAL ID act.

I hate to say I told you so but …

BBC NEWS | Programmes | Click | ePassports ‘at risk’ from cloning
It will, we are promised, keep the unwanted and dangerous outside our borders, while streamlining entry for those welcome to come and visit.

But as the implementation of the scheme gets underway it is becoming clear that there could be serious problems with it.

Dap: Wiki News

Real ID pretty much sailed through the House. Will most likely do the same in the Senate and signed in to Law. C|Net has got FAQ detailing everything you need to know about this bill. Including a link to how each Congressman voted.

What’s going to be stored on this ID card?
At a minimum: name, birth date, sex, ID number, a digital photograph, address, and a “common machine-readable technology” that Homeland Security will decide on. The card must also sport “physical security features designed to prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication of the document for fraudulent purposes.”

Homeland Security is permitted to add additional requirements–such as a fingerprint or retinal scan–on top of those. We won’t know for a while what these additional requirements will be.

One might note that easiest way to “prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication of the document for fraudulent purposes” is to NOT PUT IT ON THE CARD.

Another Little gem

You said the ID card will be electronically readable. What does that mean?
The Real ID Act says federally accepted ID cards must be “machine readable,” and lets Homeland Security determine the details. That could end up being a magnetic strip, enhanced bar code, or radio frequency identification (RFID) chips.

In the past, Homeland Security has indicated it likes the concept of RFID chips. The State Department is already going to be embedding RFID devices in passports, and Homeland Security wants to issue RFID-outfitted IDs to foreign visitors who enter the country at the Mexican and Canadian borders. The agency plans to start a yearlong test of the technology in July at checkpoints in Arizona, New York and Washington state.

RFID. What the heck does that mean? That mean that ANY PERSON with an RFID reader can send a signal to my drivers license and get the info on it. If a person wanted to tamper with, counterfeit, or duplicate the document for fraudulent purposes he wouldn’t have to rummage though my garbage, a get me to download spy ware on to my computer, I would just have to WALK down the freaking street.

Note to self: I see a future for wallets lined with aluminium foil.