Smartphones and bar code readers pose security risk for veterans’ ID cards

http://twitter.com/#!/fortyXninetysix/status/405177365153988608

There appears to be a serious security flaw in the ID cards currently issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. According to several reports, anyone with a smartphone and bar code reader app can read the owner’s Social Security number.

http://twitter.com/#!/PogoWasRight/status/401860468060348416

TCPalm.com reports:

Anyone with a smartphone and a bar code app can scan any VA identification card issued since 2004 and the cardholder’s Social Security number immediately pops up on the screen.

…

No one from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs would go on camera to answer questions.

A VA spokesperson did respond, saying they’ve begun work on the next-generation ID card, which will not contain a Social Security number.

However, it’s not being rolled out until next year.

http://twitter.com/#!/BruceDemarest/status/402500392116056064
http://twitter.com/#!/Doctrine_Man/status/406426784142745601

Until a fix is in place, TCPalm recommends that veterans “treat their current ID cards as they do their Social Security card and leave home without it, unless it is needed for a day-of appointment.”

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2013/11/29/smartphones-and-bar-code-readers-pose-security-risk-for-veterans-id-cards/