MIT researchers have developed an antitampering cryptographic ID tag that offers improved security, lower cost and a much smaller size than traditional radio frequency tags. The previous generation of terahertz tags, like radio frequency identifiers (RFIDs), were vulnerable to tampering, as fraudsters could move the tags from genuine to counterfeit goods without the authentication system detecting it. The new ID tags incorporate microscopic metal particles into the adhesive, which forms a unique, fingerprint-like pattern on the product’s surface. As the patterns are random, the item itself becomes part of the authentication process, making it much more difficult for counterfeiters to replicate. In initial tests, machine learning models recognised glue patterns with over 99% accuracy. Also, due to its small size and low cost, the new ID tag could be applied widely across global supply chains, including on items too small for traditional RFIDs. However, the technology does have limitations. The sensor can only accurately read the tag if it is less than 4 centimetres away and at an angle of less than 10 degrees, which might limit its potential uses. The team plans to conduct further work to address these issues but also hopes to inspire other researchers to explore using terahertz waves in spite of the technical challenges. The research has been partly funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies.
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