The research findings were presented during an international conference of computer scientists in Luxembourg.
Computer scientists from the University of Luxembourg investigated the possibility of security issues in biometric passports. Their investigation bore fruit: using a computer model, the researchers detected data protection issues. Ross Horne of the University of Luxembourg specialises in software systems security. He explains that it is possible to track the movements of people simply because they are carrying the electronic passport, "even if they don't open or use it." Researchers presented the data protection flaw and explained just how this is possible.
A simplified explanation is that each of them contains an electronic chip which holds information. Within a certain radius, this data can be accessed by outsiders and the passport holder's movements could be tracked. The biometric information that is also contained within the chip, however, cannot be accessed.
According to Peter Ryan, a professor for computer and communication science at the University of Luxembourg, the university continues to foster an increasing research interest in all matters related to data protection awareness.
