Security Shorts

Air Safety Week, Dec 8, 2008

RFID Chips: A Privacy And Security Pandora's Box?

A research article suggests that Big Brother could be opening a privacy and security Pandora's Box if human rights, particularly regarding data protection are not addressed in the design of new RFID applications.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips can be found tagging everything from groceries and clothing to the experimental swipe-free credit cards used to pay for those goods. In library cards, warehouse inventories, and under-skin pet tags. They are also used for prisoner and parole tags, in hospital patient wristbands, and in smart passports.

The benefits of RFID technology in innovation are beyond question. However, the threats posed to personal privacy should be taken into account at the design phase of the applications.

Their increasingly widespread deployment means individuals do not necessarily know when, how and what kind of information about them is being transmitted at any given time from an RFID in a passport, in their shopping bags, or even when they visit the library.

RFID tags are powerful devices for use in a wide array of applications: stock inventory, logistics, security finance, buildings, and across international borders. However, they provide a seemingly innocuous medium for the collection and transmission of personal data, as well as the ability to track the movements of people.

The European Union has already recognized some of the concerns being raised. A recent European Commission report, "Communication on RFID" emphasized that privacy and security should be built into RFID information systems before their widespread deployment. Moreover, European legislation on data protection applies to RFID technology when it entails the processing of personal data,

Miami-Dade Acquires Anthrax Detector

Universal Detection Technology has received a purchase order for anthrax detection equipment from the Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Department. The detection equipment is designed to check for anthrax and can return results in as little as three minutes. The Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services for Miami-Dade County, FL It also provides fire protection services for Miami International. UNDT's anthrax detection equipment has been extensively used by first responders and private industry throughout the country. The equipment has been evaluated by the U.S. DOD as well as the United Kingdom military.

Universal Detection Technology is a developer of monitoring technologies, including bioterrorism detection devices. The company in cooperation with NASA has developed a bacterial spore detector that detects certain biohazard substances.

Companies Reassess Travel to Mumbai

Business travel to India may sustain a temporary drop in response to the terrorist attacks on two prominent hotels, and other public places frequented by Westerners and wealthy Indians in the city of Mumbai, as international companies assess risk to travelers and examine corporate security options in the region, according to the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE). The terrorist attack has prompted short-term cancellations in business travel to India and Pakistan, according to a survey conducted by the group.

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