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Information Security: Key Considerations Related to Federal Implementation of Radio Frequency Identification Technology

GAO-05-849T Published: Jun 22, 2005. Publicly Released: Jun 22, 2005.
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Highlights

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an automated data-capture technology that can be used to electronically identify, track, and store information contained on a tag that is attached to or embedded in an object, such as a product, case, or pallet. Federal agencies have begun implementation of RFID technology, which can offer them new capabilities and efficiencies in operations. For example, the State Department has reported plans to use RFID technology in its electronic passports. The reduced cost of the technology has made the wide-scale use of it a real possibility for government and industry organizations. As requested, this testimony will provide an overview of the technology and discuss key security, privacy, and other considerations surrounding implementation of the technology in the federal government. It is based on our recently issued report (GAO-05-551).

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AuthenticationData transmissionInformation resources managementInformation securityInformation security managementInformation technologyStandardsTechnology assessmentRadio frequency identification technologyRadio frequency identification