What data does an electronic United States passport contain in the smart chip? Is this information safe?
Passports with an integrated circuit embedded in the back cover have been issued by the United States Department of State for the past several years, and this radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip contains several pieces of information. Specialized RFID chip readers can read the stored information at a close distance.
An electronic version of the passport's data page is stored on the chip, as well as a unique chip-identification number and a digital signature designed to verify and protect stored data from tampering. The chip also holds a digital image of the passport holder's photograph - which can be used as a biometric identifier with face-recognition systems.
According to the State Department's Web site, the agency has taken several measures to help protect the chip's data from intruders. The prote ctions include cryptographic keys stored on the chip that allow only authorized electronic readers to scan the data.
The passport's cover also uses metallic material that blocks radio frequency (RF) waves so that the passport must be open for someone with an RFID chip reader to gain access to its electronic data. Third-party passport covers designed to block RF waves are also available for those who want increased protection; budget-minded travelers have been known to wrap the passport in aluminum foil to inhibit unauthorized RFID activity.
