To protect people against skimming and eavesdropping attacks, federal and state officials has some recommendations-

  • Keep their e-passports tightly shut
  • Store your RFID-tagged passport cards
  • Keep enhanced driver’s licenses in “radio-opaque” sleeves

In the past, experiments have shown that even half inch opened e-passports transmit data and others can read from chipped passport cards and EDLs.

The cover of the e-passport booklet has a metallic sheathing which can be helpful here. The cover diminishes the distances radio waves travel which blocks unwanted interceptions. Alloy envelopes available with the PASS cards and driver’s licenses will help in the same way.

Hackers will not be able to get any practical use for data gathered from RFID chips embedded in the cards.  A spokeswoman for the Washington state Department of Licensing mentioned that the envelope with the enhanced driver’s license will make sure that nothing can scan it at all.

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