Question

This week we will look at a technology that affects most of us and also is wide-ranging, but goes unnoticed by many people. That technology is radio frequency identification (RFID). It generally started as a way to accurately identify and track inventory, but now is also used in credit cards, driver's licenses, military ID cards, insurance cards, and other areas. It is also injected into pets to identify lost dogs and cats. It is even being injected into humans as a trial for computerized health records. While all of these applications of RFID can be of great benefit, there are also down sides. Readers exist that, at close range, can capture the data on the chip and allow the thief to steal your identity, drain your bank accounts, run up your credit cards and provide other private information that can be misused. Discuss the following: major benefits and the negatives for using RFID. Discuss what protection we have for these negatives.

Answer 1

RFID technology has major benefits like improved efficiency and convenience, but it also has negatives related to security and privacy. Encryption, signal blocking, and access control measures can protect against the negatives of RFID.

Step-by-step explanation:

RFID (radio frequency identification) is a technology that allows for the accurate identification and tracking of objects and people. It is used in various applications such as inventory management, credit cards, driver's licenses, and even in pets for identification purposes. While there are major benefits of using RFID, such as improved efficiency and convenience, there are also negatives, particularly related to security and privacy.

One major negative is the risk of identity theft. RFID chips can be read by specialized readers, allowing thieves to capture the data on the chip and potentially steal personal information. To protect against these negatives, there are several measures that can be taken:

1. Encryption: Implementing strong encryption methods can protect the data stored on RFID chips, making it difficult for thieves to access and use the information.
2. Signal blocking: Using specially designed wallets or sleeves that block the radio signals can prevent unauthorized reading of RFID chips.
3. Access control: Implementing access control measures, such as requiring authentication or biometric verification, can limit the ability to read RFID chips to authorized individuals.