How Do HID Cards Work?

HID Cards are easy to read.

HID Cards use a technology similar to Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tags. They have an ID code that can be detected by a Radio Frequency (RF) reader. Unlike RFID chips, HID codes can be printed.

The Basics

HID codes can be printed with a small and inexpensive printer. This means a company can print its own door access card readers, passports, automatic PC login cards or wearable security badges. Readers read the code and consult a database for authorizations. The database can be changed as a HID cardholder's status changes.

Typical Uses

Some HID cards are read with ordinary card readers, but because they are RF cards there is almost never a problem with the card. Some of the cards are proximity cards -- if the card is within 2 feet of the reader, it can be read. This allows workers automatic access by walking through a doorway that contains a reader.

Dangers

In some cases, HID cards are too easy to read. There have already been some high-profile cases in which hackers have broken into HID security systems using simple hardware that works on the same frequencies (13.56 MHz and 125 kHz) as the HID readers.

References

• HIDGlobal: Hid Cards
• UrgentCommunications: RFID and HID
• TheCardNetwork: Hid Access Cards

Resources

• IDEdge: HID Proximity Cards