Improving security and usability of low cost RFID tags

Low cost RFID tags pose unique security challenges. Data tampering is one of such challenges that need to be addressed. In this paper, we propose a tamper detection solution for the EPC-Class1 Generation2 tag (a low cost passive RFID tag) based on a cryptographic PRNG (a pseudo random number generator for low cost RFID tags) function called LAMED and the Skew Tent chaotic map. Most of the existing solutions can only detect tampering in some portions (e.g. the OC or the EM field of EPC tag) of an RFID tag; in contrast, our solution can detect and discriminate tampering anywhere in the RFID tag. Moreover, unlike the existing tamper detection solutions, our proposal also includes a solution for cloning detection. Furthermore, this solution offers better security than the existing tamper detection solutions. Managing passwords for each individual tag is one of the main challenges for adopting security solutions in RFID applications, such as supply chain management; we address this issue in our solution by dramatically minimizing the load of password management and thus our solution becomes quite feasible for existing low cost RFID applications. Last, but not least, our proposed solution is compatible with the EPC Tag Data Standards for EPC Class1 Gen2 tags proposed by the EPCglobal and GS1 (Global Standardization Body).