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Imagine a world where you can unlock doors, verify your identity, or perform a cool party trick, all with a simple wave of your hand. This isn’t a scene from a sci-fi movie, but a reality for software engineer Miana Windall, who has around 25 chip implants beneath her skin. These chips, ranging from magnets to RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, are barely noticeable and have become an integral part of her daily life.
Windall’s fascination with chip implants was shared at the DEF CON security conference. She discussed how she uses these implants for personal tasks, such as gaining access to her former office building. RFID technology, which powers scannable items like subway cards and tap-to-pay systems, was patented in the 1970s.
Despite their age, RFID implants are still seen as a novelty by many, according to Windall. However, these implants are not without their uses. For instance, if you’re heading out for the night and don’t want to carry a bag, you can purchase a specific type of lock and implant a sensor under your skin. This sensor acts as a key that you can’t lose, allowing you to scan in and out of your home.
Despite the convenience, these chip implants are not as advanced as they might seem. Amal Graafstra, founder of biohacking and implant service Dangerous Things, clarified that these chips aren’t active or energized unless in close proximity to a reader.
The use of RFID implants is quite limited and requires a certain level of technical knowledge to be genuinely beneficial. For example, while there are some ready-to-use applications, such as the Tesla keycard implant, users typically need to program certain key configurations themselves. Graafstra likens the process to selling a key without a lock – the user needs to have the technical know-how to create “the lock.” Windall advises potential users to do their research before getting an implant. Without the necessary knowledge, you might end up with a chip that’s useless. Despite these challenges, companies are exploring the use of RFID implants as security tools. While RFID technology has inherent vulnerabilities, an implanted chip could provide a level of security that’s difficult to breach.
As Windall points out, “You can’t have your hand pickpocketed, at least not without a machete.” As the need for secure authentication grows, these implants could serve as a reliable method of identity verification. Companies are considering replacing two-factor authentication with passkeys, which could be stored on a chip implant. This would provide a more secure alternative to hardware keys that can be lost or text message verifications that can be manipulated. RFID implants don’t require FDA approval as they’re not classified as medical devices. However, Harsha Gangadharbatla, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, warns consumers to be aware of the “hidden” costs, such as privacy risks and potential advertising messages, associated with this technology.
