16 May, 2008
category: RFID
Attendees at this summer’s The Last HOPE (Hackers on Planet Earth) conference will be issued unusual name tags along with their registration packets.
Each name tag will be embedded with an RFID tag. The tags will track individuals’ movements on large monitors placed throughout the convention’s meeting space. The result, say organizers, will be the first time the general public “will be able to participate in the transparent operation of a major RFID tracking program.”
Convention-goers will be invited to do more than just be observed. They are encouraged to use their hacking skills to infiltrate the RFID system, testing its vulnerabilities, protecting their privacy or data-mining for information about other participants.
Organizers hope that the competitive, game-like atmosphere will inspire the hackers to expose and explore the security issues faced by RFID designers and users as the technology develops.
The Last HOPE will be held from July 18 to 20 at the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City.