Why Electronic Passports Are the Future of Passport Security

Passports have evolved significantly over time. From early paper-based travel documents to machine-readable passports, each advancement aimed to improve security and streamline travel.

Today, e-passports represent the latest step in this evolution, integrating digital technology and advanced physical security features to meet modern security demands and travel efficiency requirements. At the same time, businesses and governments alike offer an increasing array of digital services. Accessing these requires the prior secure identification of individuals, typically by use of their passport.

In recent years, numerous countries have transitioned to e-passports as the most secure form of identity document available, recognizing the ever-increasing importance of data protection in international travel and the potential of e-passports in remote identity authentication.

Electronic passports integrate advanced technologies that elevate security and combat identity fraud. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and security features:

Embedded Microprocessor Chip

At the heart of an e-passport lies a small microprocessor chip, typically embedded within the passport booklet or the data page. This integrated chip securely stores the passport holder's biographical data (biographical data page), a digital image (color photo), and biometric information, for example fingerprints, significantly increasing the difficulty of forgery or tampering.

The passport chip is fundamental to the enhanced security of e-passports. It is used for identity verification by validating the electronic signatures stored in the chip. The chip is accessed using NFC or contactless smart card technology. Its data are securely signed by the issuing authority and can only be accessed with special apps and certificates.

Biometric Data for Enhanced Authentication

Biometric data contained on the chip can include fingerprints (fingerprint data), the facial image (of which a software can derive landmarks if required), or iris scans, adding robust layers of identity verification. These unique biometric identifiers facilitate accurate and efficient authentication of the passport holder, making it extremely difficult for imposters to use a stolen or forged passport.

This process can utilize both passive authentication (opening the chip, reading and verifying the authenticity of the data) and active authentication (opening the chip, reading and verifying the authenticity of the data, checking the chip for cloning). The facial image on a chip is the most important differentiator, as it can directly serve as a trusted source for the biometric check, i.e., the comparison of the live image of the individual and the image stored in the chip.

Digital Signature Technology

Digital signature technology serves as a critical security mechanism in e-passports. It ensures the integrity and authenticity of the passport data stored on the chip. This digital signature, linked to the issuing country's public key infrastructure (PKI), validates the issuer and prevents unauthorized data alteration.

Each chip has a logical data structure with well-defined memory groups, so-called "Data Groups". The data from the Data Groups is hashed, i.e., a checksum is calculated for each Data Group. The individual checksums are stored in a Document Security Object (SOD). This 'last' Data Group is signed with the private key of the issuing country.

In the unlikely event that one Data Group is manipulated, e.g. by replacing the picture stored within the chip, the hash is no longer correct. If an attacker also succeeded in replacing the hash file, the digital issuer signature is no longer correct. In more simple terms, this can be imagined like a chain of locks that protects all the Data Groups, their checksums and their issuer; and is only functional if all locks are functional and untampered with.

All of this helps guarantee that a passport was indeed issued by the legitimate authority and hasn’t been tampered with.

Polycarbonate Data Page

The data page of an e-passport is made of polycarbonate, a highly durable and tamper-resistant material. The utilization of polycarbonate substrate for data pages is state-of-the-art in contemporary passport technology. Recognized for its durability as well as an increased resistance to tampering, polycarbonate provides a robust foundation for safeguarding the personal information within the document. It is the substrate of choice when it comes to maximizing the life span of ID documents, easily reaching 10 years and more.

Polycarbonate based data pages further enhance the security of a passport, making it significantly more difficult to alter the biographical data or the personalized image of the document holder. The photograph and personal data are incorporated into an internal substrate layer by laser-engraving personalization, and the substrate’s abrasion resistance protects them mechanically.

Advanced Physical Security Features

The comprehensive security architecture of e-passports extends far beyond the substrate and the chip with its biometric data and signatures. Advanced physical security features such as DOVIDs (diffractive optically variable image devices) play a pivotal role in fortifying e-passports against counterfeiting attempts and ensure that the document's integrity and authenticity are upheld in the face of evolving security challenges.

As polycarbonate-embedded solution, DOVIDs are a sophisticated, versatile and secure feature that poses a formidable challenge to counterfeiters. They lend themselves particularly well to protect a document holder’s photograph, which is a primary target for manipulation and forgery attempts. DOVIDs are more resistant to counterfeiting than other security features based on their complexity. This stems from the inherent diffractive, nano- and micro-optic structures, which are difficult to replicate or mimic. The dynamic visual effects provide a strong layer of security.

DOVIDs also serve as a reliable and consistent ID document authentication method. Border control officers can visually verify the inherent optical security features and establish a passport's legitimacy, even when chip functionality is compromised. This ensures that a passport maintains its integrity as a travel document, irrespective of potential technical issues.

The KINEGRAM is a superior type of DOVID based on its sophistication, versatility and security. Developed by OVD Kinegram, it adds a critical layer of physical security to e-passports. Unlike holographic elements, a KINEGRAM utilizes unique, vector-based diffractive structures to create brilliant and highly precise visual effects that are extremely difficult to counterfeit.

Integrated directly into the polycarbonate data page construction of an e-passport, KINEGRAM features provide immediate visual authentication, serving as a powerful deterrent against fraud. The KINEGRAM technology is characterized by absolute secrecy and commercial unavailability. Its visual appearance and flexibility are unmatched by other technologies, and it offers the option to combine different base technologies into one single security element, creating a virtually insurmountable barrier to counterfeiters.

Full Data Protection for Electronic Passports

To maximize the anti-counterfeiting resistance of polycarbonate-based e-passports and other identity documents, OVD Kinegram developed the Full Data Protection (FDP) solution. This comprehensive protection for polycarbonate-based ID-1 and ID-3 documents features:

• seamless design integration of the security feature with the print design of the document
• storytelling concept in the feature design, enabling an extremely intuitive, self-explanatory document inspection
• protection of the entire data page, including the photograph and the machine-readable zone (MRZ) alongside all other personal data

The KINEGRAM FDP solution provides protection and capabilities that surpass those of other security features and document solutions. It protects all personalized data of the document holder, including the photograph and the MRZ, two crucial areas that are subject to manipulation and forgery attempts.

The Dual Security Advantage: Chip and KINEGRAM

E-passports benefit from a dual-layered security approach, combining the digital security of the embedded chip with the robust yet highly advanced physical security of a KINEGRAM feature. While the chip provides secure storage and electronic verification of biometric and biographical data, the KINEGRAM offers an immediate and reliable visual authentication method as well as the secure physical protection of the passport data page and the holder's personalized data.

This combination of electronic and physical security measures makes e-passports significantly more secure than traditional passports issued in the past. The dual approach ensures that the passport remains verifiable even under challenging circumstances. Should the chip malfunction or become unreadable, the KINEGRAM allows for manual authentication by border control officers, ensuring uninterrupted travel for legitimate passport holders.

This redundancy is in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, which recognize the validity of an e-passport even if the chip is not functional. A KINEGRAM element, therefore, acts as a critical primary security measure, ensuring the passport's authenticity and the possibility to verify a traveler's identity at all times.

Enhanced Security

The advanced technologies used in e-passports make them significantly more difficult to forge or alter than traditional machine-readable passports. This enhanced security contributes significantly to the fight against identity theft and identity fraud. With e-passports, identities become much more secure.

Faster and More Efficient Border Control

Electronic passports streamline the border control process through the use of electronic border control systems. Automated gates and e-passport readers can quickly verify the authenticity of the passport and the identity of the passport holder, leading to reduced wait times in international travel and increased efficiency for border control officers. This improved efficiency is a key benefit for airport security and other border control points.

Improvements for Remote Identity Verification

Thanks to the widespread availability of NFC on mobile devices, the solution on hand for remote identity verification and detecting fraudulent activities is the use of e-passports, namely the verification of the chip data and digital certificates and the confirmation of a biometric match between the live captured facial image and the photo stored in the chip. In comparison to national ID cards or driver’s licenses, which are not always equipped with chips, e-passports offer comparatively higher security and reliability, making them better suited for identity authentication, particularly in remote scenarios.

Compliance with ICAO Standards

The standards for e-passports set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) are constantly updated and extended, based on recommendations by technical experts, lawyers and security experts such as Interpol or the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This renders e-passports the most advanced MRTDs available and hence, the most suitable documents for secure authentication.

E-passports ensure global interoperability and facilitate international travel. This standardization is essential for seamless border control procedures across different countries. Their adherence to internationally harmonized standards means that any e-passport can be verified using the same standardized verification systems worldwide.

As many countries transition to issuing e-passports, the global trend towards enhanced travel document security becomes increasingly clear. Looking ahead, technological innovations and evolving security requirements will continue to drive the need for more sophisticated travel documents. Future trends may include the integration of new biometric technologies, enhanced chip capabilities, and even more refined physical security features.

OVD Kinegram remains at the forefront of these advancements, continually researching and developing new ways to advance the KINEGRAM technology in the face of future challenges in protecting identities. This commitment to innovation ensures that the KINEGRAM continues to provide state-of-the-art protection against counterfeiting and contributes to the ongoing evolution of secure and reliable e-passports.

In securing biometric e-passports, the convergence of technologies, namely an embedded sophisticated KINEGRAM, a chip and robust polycarbonate substrate, forms a virtually unsurmountable barrier against counterfeiting. The KINEGRAM presents an ideal solution to the current challenges in protecting identities. It provides a robust shield for e-passports and an obvious choice for governments and institutions worldwide.

OVD Kinegram offers a comprehensive suite of security features and solutions for e-passports – as well as digital tools such as SDK and app solutions for scanning and data capturing and the verification of chips in e-passports and e-ID cards. We work with governments worldwide to provide secure and reliable e-passport solutions that meet the highest international standards. Our expertise ensures the integrity and authenticity of your travel documents, protecting your citizens and borders.

What is the difference between an electronic passport and a traditional passport?

An electronic passport, also known as an e-passport, contains an embedded microchip that stores the passport holder’s biographical information, photo, and typically biometric data. This electronic chip enhances security and facilitates remote identity verification as well as faster border control processing compared to a traditional passport, which relies solely on visual inspection and the machine-readable zone.

How does the passport chip work?

The e-passport chip uses contactless technology. When the passport is placed near an e-passport reader, the reader accesses the data stored on the chip, including the biographical data, photo, and potentially biometric data for authentication. This allows for quick and efficient verification of the passport holder's identity.

Is my biometric data safe?

Yes. Strong security measures are in place to protect the data stored on the e-passport chip. Strong control mechanisms severely restrict access to sensitive information, and digital signature technology ensures the integrity of the data. This helps to safeguard your personal information and protect against identity fraud.

What if a passport chip doesn't function?

Where chip validation may not be possible, DOVIDs such as the KINEGRAM are paramount in safeguarding a nation’s e-passports. They provide reliable passport authentication complementary to electronic authentication, efficient photo, MRZ and data protection, and design and technology flexibility and adaptability.

The KINEGRAM technology, invented by OVD Kinegram, maximizes these advantages. It is exceptionally robust and adaptable, extremely forgery-proof, and creates unique, highly precise visual effects for easy verification.