Video: UW researchers find holes in new border security features

Larger screen

SEATTLE - State and federal officials are reviewing a report by University of Washington researchers that found gaping holes in one of the new security features at the border.

Graduate student Karl Koscher was part of a UW team studying radio frequency ID, the kind of technology used in store security tags and key card readers.

The team was surprised to find that it's also a security feature in the state's new enhanced driver's licenses and passport cards, which are supposed to deter criminals at the nation's high security borders.

The cards are embedded with microchips that send the card-holder's personal identifying code to a card reader.

KING

University of Washington researchers were surprised to find that RFID technology is a security feature in the state's new enhanced driver's licenses and passport cards.

"You place these on the dash of your car at the border," Koscher said. "Readers read it from a distance and before you're at the gatehouse and everyone's information is already on the screen."

That information is then reviewed by the border agent as part of the screening process.

After researching the passport and enhanced driver's license cards, the UW researchers warned the Department of Homeland Security that the ID cards could be compromised with inexpensive, off-the-shelf radio equipment.

Sam Sprangenberg works for a Seattle security company.

"We could put this inside a briefcase and push the magic button and we could read RFID information on your badge," he said.

"All they have to do is find someone who looks similar to them," Koscher said. "They can snatch their ID off the card. They can put in on another card, those are extremely cheap to buy online, less than $1."

The cards won't give anyone your name or social security number. They only contain a coded ID.

The state Department of Licensing, which issues the enhanced driver's licenses, is also studying the report.

It also believes there are many other security features that would stop criminals at the border.