Where is the NFC chip on a passport?

It’s placement is indicated by a gold symbol on the front cover that resembles a small, stylised rectangle or square with a circular pattern inside it, often accompanied by a small ‘chip’ or circuit design. This design symbolises the embedded electronic chip and is often found near the bottom centre of the front cover.

This strategic placement ensures the chip is well-protected against physical damage, crucial for maintaining the integrity of the stored data.

The technology behind the NFC chip

NFC technology is an extension of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which has been widely used for various identification purposes. However, NFC is designed for short-range communication, typically up to 10cm, making it particularly suitable for secure applications like electronic passports, where close proximity between the chip and the reader enhances security.

The NFC chip in a passport contains a microprocessor and an antenna. The microprocessor stores essential biometric data, such as the passport holder's photograph, fingerprints, and personal information. When the passport is brought close to an NFC-enabled reader, the antenna in the chip is powered by the electromagnetic field generated by the reader. This power allows the microprocessor to transmit the stored data securely to the reader.

Why NFC over RFID for passports?

While RFID technology operates over a longer range, typically several metres, this characteristic makes it less secure for sensitive applications like passports. The short range of NFC provides a more secure interaction, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorised access or skimming, where data could be read without the passport holder's knowledge. NFC's design inherently limits the interaction distance, ensuring that data transmission only occurs when the passport is in close proximity to an authorised reader.

Moreover, NFC incorporates advanced cryptographic techniques, making the data stored on the passport chip more secure. These security measures include mutual authentication, where both the reader and the chip authenticate each other before any data exchange, and data encryption, which protects the transmitted data from being intercepted and misused.

Security of NFC technology in passports

The security of NFC technology is one of its most significant advantages, especially in the context of electronic passports. The NFC chip uses a combination of encryption and secure access protocols to protect the biometric data stored within it. For example, Basic Access Control (BAC) and Extended Access Control (EAC) protocols are commonly used to safeguard the data. BAC ensures that only authorised readers can access the data, while EAC adds an additional layer of security for biometric information.

Furthermore, the encryption keys used in NFC chips are generated uniquely for each passport, making it extremely difficult for unauthorised parties to clone or tamper with the data. This robust encryption, combined with the short-range communication inherent to NFC, makes it a preferred choice over traditional RFID technology for passports.

By building on the foundations of RFID technology, NFC offers enhanced security through its short-range communication and advanced encryption techniques. These features make NFC technology a more suitable choice for electronic passports, where the protection of sensitive personal and biometric data is paramount.