A novel means to address RFID tag/item separation in supply chains

Abstract Automated identifiers such as barcodes and RFID (Radio-Frequency IDentification) tags help with the quick identification of their associated items. When such an identifier is associated with an item, it is generally assumed that these two entities (the identifier and the tagged item) remain inseparable as long as is necessary. However, unintentional or (dishonest party initiated) intentional tag separation may occur, which necessitates an appropriate response before damage is done. We develop a knowledge-based means with cryptography to identify RFID tag damage and/or separation from its associated object. We also consider related security/privacy aspects of the proposed method.