[kasperl]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/30/dutch_biometric_passport_crack/

We haven't got biometric ID cards yet, but the standard kind of plastic is already required to have with you at all times. I can't say I'm surprised, but I'm not very happy either.

[vyper]

Proof we're not just howling at the moon here in the BCS when we tell them it's a really ****ing stupid idea.

[aldo_14]

Proof we're not just howling at the moon here in the BCS when we tell them it's a really ****ing stupid idea.

Well, you are, because the moon doesn't listen to any sort of simple ****ing common sense. 

I'd note the other reg article about plans to put RFID tracking chips on Id cards, too.

NB: you're a member of the BCS - is it worth the bother?  I could never be arsed paying to join, myself.

[vyper]

It's worth it because you keep up to date with the industry, can get some career advice and can even be a certificed something or other once you do so many years industry work.

And a shiney new card.

[kasperl]

1. BCS?
2. After further reading it, I see that even when you ignore the stupid bug with the sequential numbers and using a checksum digit as part of a bloody key, the whole thing is at best 50 bit encrypted. 50 bit. Most geeks use 128 bit security to read their email. And the government decides to use halve that for a passport, opening up a photo, fingerprint and everything else.

Also, no-one has explained to me how exactly false passports can be found using this. I mean, unless they check everything with a central dbase, it ought to be easy enough to put all the ID stuff onto a chip, and let that reply like it's a passport one.

[aldo_14]

1. BCS?

British Computer Society; professional body representing computery people.  I never bother my arse joining; I think after xx years membership & experience you become a chartered software engineer or something similar in status.

[Turnsky]

1. BCS?

British Computer Society; professional body representing computery people.  I never bother my arse joining; I think after xx years membership & experience you become a chartered software engineer or something similar in status.

sounds like an updated version of those old english explorer clique's

[aldo_14]

1. BCS?

British Computer Society; professional body representing computery people. I never bother my arse joining; I think after xx years membership & experience you become a chartered software engineer or something similar in status.

sounds like an updated version of those old english explorer clique's

Nah, there is actually a legal role for that type of professional body in terms of certifying competency and whatnot (if you pay the annual fee........); it's most important for engineers, AFAIK.