ePassport security under the microscope

This paper focuses on ePassport security which utilizes RFID chip technology. ePassports are increasingly being used by governments to enhance the border entry and exit process. The paper briefly describes the nature of RFID technology and its characteristics pertaining to different aspects of security. The approach taken in this study is two-fold: experimental in the first instance, followed by a proof of concept (POC). The experimental study uses metrics to draw conclusions pertaining to the security, safety and privacy viability of the ePassport. Conclusions drawn from the experimental work are used to inform a proof of concept (POC) which provides one possible solution to eradicate the current issues related to the existing ePassport implementation. The proposed ePassport system is then compared to the existing ePassport using the defined metrics to determine which system provides the end user with the most privacy and security. The basic premise for this study is that if new technology is instituted to increase state security, then it should not be plagued with problems which would only increase national security concerns.