US Border Patrol Unable to Validate E-Passport Data

US Border Patrol Unable to Validate E-Passport Data

E-passports store a cryptographic signature to prevent forgeries and tampering, but CBP has not deployed the software needed to verify the information, causing a security lapse.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Feb 27, 2018

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials have been unable to cryptographically verify passports of visitors coming into the US for more than a decade because they lacked the proper software, according to a letter sent to CBP acting commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO). E-passports store a cryptographic signature to prevent forgeries and tampering, but CBP has not deployed the software needed to verify the information, causing a security lapse.

For the last 11 years, the United States has inserted RFID chips in the back panel of its passports, creating “e-Passports”. The chip stores passport information, a biometric identifier, and a cryptographic signature to prevent tampering or forgeries, making it theoretically more secure and more difficult to alter.

However, according to Wyden and McCaskill, CBP currently “lacks the technical capabilities to verify e-passport chips.”

“Specifically, CBP cannot verify the digital signatures stored on the e-passport, which means that CBP is unable to determine if the data stored on the smart chips has been tampered with or forged," according to the senators’ letter.

The security gap was first brought to light by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in a 2010 report.

"DHS does not have the capability to fully verify the digital signatures because it ... has not implemented the system functionality necessary to perform the verification,” GAO reported. "The additional security against forgery and counterfeiting that could be provided by the inclusion of computer chips on e-passports issued by the United States and foreign countries ... is not fully realized."

The senators have asked CBP to work with the government’s General Services Administration to create a budget for implementing the software needed to use the e-passport verification functionality and present a plan by January 1, 2019.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • Getting in Someone’s Face

    There was a time, not so long ago, when the tradeshow industry must have thought COVID-19 might wipe out face-to-face meetings. It sure seemed that way about three years ago. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • Live From ISC West 2024: Post-Show Recap

    ISC West 2024 is complete. And from start to finish, the entire conference was a huge success with almost 30,000 people in attendance. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • ISC West 2024 is a Rousing Success

    The 2024 ISC West security tradeshow marked a pivotal moment in the industry, showcasing cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to address evolving security challenges. Exhibitors left the event with a profound sense of satisfaction, as they witnessed a high level of engagement from attendees and forged valuable connections with potential clients and partners. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3