RFID hack could crack open 2 billion smart cards

In an article posted by Risks Digest, a student at the University of Virginia has found a way to break through the encryption code of RFID chips used in up to 2 billion smart cards used to open doors and board public transportation systems.

The student says he only needs a laptop, a scanner and a few minutes to get the cryptogrpahic key to an RFID lock and then create a duplicate card to open it.

"It turns out it's a pretty huge deal," says Ken van Wyk, principal consultant at KRv associates. "There are a lot of these things floating around out there. Using it for building locks is the biggy, especially when it's used in sensitive government facilities - and I know for a fact it's being used in sensitive government facilities."


For the full story, see Risks Digest.