RFID security concerns

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/07378830710735885
Published date13 March 2007
Pages95-107
Date13 March 2007
AuthorScott Muir
OTHER ARTICLES
RFID security concerns
Scott Muir
Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Abstract
Purpose Increasing numbers of libraries are implementing RFID solutions supplementing or
replacing their existing barcode systems. While RFIDs offer many time saving benefits and
productivity enhancements, they also expose libraries and their patrons to a number of potential
violations of patron privacy both inside and outside the library. In an era where there is an escalating,
ongoing debate over libraries and patron privacy, RFIDs warrant further review. The purpose of this
article is to explore the validity of some of these concerns and outline recommendations and best
practices to minimize the risks to libraries and their patrons.
Design/methodology/approach – An extensive review was made of the literature review with an
argument for careful understanding of the issues.
Findings – The potential risks associated with RFID security violations are a potential threat and
any library implementing an RFID systen should be aware of all the facts before proceeding.
Practical implications RFID literature should be reviewed by an y library considering
implementing RFID
Originality/value – There has been no other article in Library Hi Tech on RFID.
Keywords Radio waves, Privacy,Security products, Libraries
Paper type General review
Introduction
Librarians have a long history in protecting the privacy of their readers, the library
patron. As technology has ushered in more methodologies for the invasion of privacy
through electronic means, librarians have become increasingly concerned. The
escalating use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags concern many people
because they open opportunities for inconspicuous scanning of any items a person has
with these tags, including their library books. RFIDs are small adhesive backed tags
that transmit a radio signal that easily can be read by a receiver, or reader. These tag s
can be attached to books found in a library or bookstore or on a box of light bulbs at
Wal-Mart. While some librarians and the vendors of RFID products for libraries
remain convinced that they are secure, the evidence shows that RFIDs create numerous
opportunities for privacy invasions. For this reason, librarians must take additional
measures to protect patron privacy.
In 1999 IBM released a commercial that was set in a store. In this advertisement was
a rather scruffy appearing man wearing a long trench coat walking rapidly throughout
the store grabbing items off of the shelves and shoving them into his pockets. As he
approached the front of the store he by-passed the checkout counters and headed
straight for the exit. When he got to the door an alarm sounded. A very stern looking
security guard approached the young man and delivered a now classic line, “Excuse
me, Sir, you forgot your receipt.” The point of this commercial was that technologies
such as RFIDs could speed us rapidly through the checkout out process by scanning
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
RFID security
concerns
95
Received 2 December 2005
Revised 25 May 2006
Accepted 1 July 2006
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 25 No. 1, 2007
pp. 95-107
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/07378830710735885

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