Access Password
Access Password:
Definition, Function, and Significance in RFID Systemsn
Security plays a key role in RFID applications—especially where sensitive data is stored or processes are controlled automatically. Modern RFID systems rely on advanced security and technology features to ensure data protection, integrity, and privacy. UHF RFID tags have various protection mechanisms for this purpose. One of the most important elements is the access password, which prevents unauthorized persons from accessing protected memory areas or functions of an RFID tag. The access password is part of an internationally recognized standard that is used in every modern RFID system. For labels used in industry, this level of security is crucial for reliable and tamper-proof process mapping. Access passwords are therefore a central component of comprehensive solutions for secure and efficient access control.
What is an access password?
The access password is a 32-bit password stored in the memory of a UHF RFID tag and serves as a central security element for accessing the tag. It is used to unlock certain functions of the tag, e.g.:
- Write access to user memory, EPC or TID banks
- Activation of additional security functions
- Transition to protected operating modes
The access password offers various security and data protection functions, such as locking or unlocking memory areas.
This prevents unauthorized access and ensures that only authorized RFID readers can change content. The most important features of the access password include targeted access control, support for data protection requirements, and the ability to configure individual security mechanisms for each RFID transponder.
Functionality & technical details
32-bit password structure
The access password consists of 4 bytes and is stored in the reserved memory bank of a UHF tag. The access password is often set to a default value such as 0x00000000. The memory area for the access password is not always occupied by a password, but can also be empty or set to the default value. In the past, a default value was often used for the access password before individual passwords were programmed.
Procedure for an access attempt
- The RFID reader sends an access command to the tag, with the tag serving as the central element in the authentication process.
- The tag checks whether a valid access password is available.
- Only after successful authentication are protected functions enabled.
- Access to protected areas is controlled by checking access authorization. In addition, the identity of the reader is verified before access is granted.
Common areas of application for access passwords
- Protection against unwanted modification, with particular emphasis on the role of tags and their compatibility and security features for protection against manipulation
- Securing production-relevant data
- Control of access rights within automated access control systems
- Protection of serialization or authentication information
When using access passwords in different industries, specific technical and regulatory requirements must be met to ensure system functionality and compliance.
A proven way to ensure security is to use standardized methods and cross-system approaches to guarantee a scalable, secure, and privacy-conscious solution.
Password implementation is based on EPC Gen2 / ISO 18000-63 and is internationally standardized.
Distinction: Access Password vs. Kill Password
| Feature | Access Password | Kill Password |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Access protection & write release – the password controls the management of access rights to the tag. | Permanently deactivating a tag |
| mode | Temporary, reversible | Final |
| storage location | Reserved Memory Bank | Reserved Memory Bank |
| Risk of incorrect operation | Limited risk | Tag permanently unusable |
Both mechanisms operate independently of each other – in everyday industrial use, the kill password is rarely used, while access passwords are regularly used to protect operational data. The access password is often set before the tag is used to ensure safe operation. The password plays a crucial role in the security and control of RFID tags.
Advantages of the Access Password
- Tamper protection - Protects critical data from accidental or intentional modification while helping to protect user privacy.
- Stability of automated processes - Only authorized RFID readers can perform write operations.
- Security level scalable as needed - Passwords can be assigned and managed on a project-specific basis.
- Standardized implementation - Compatible with EPC Gen2-compliant RFID access control systems in logistics, industry, and retail.
The access password is therefore an effective solution for ensuring secure and efficient access control in RFID systems.
application scenarios
Logistics & Supply Chain
Serialization data, item numbers, or batch information are stored securely and only rewritten during the authorized process step.
Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
Prevents unwanted changes to medication, device, or batch information while maintaining privacy when storing sensitive medication data.
Automotive & Industry 4.0
Access to production-related parameters is controlled, e.g., in assembly lines or tool management, with transponders playing a central role in secure and automated access control.
Retail
Protection of sensitive EPC structures in RFID-based inventory or anti-theft solutions, whereby the so-called reading range (i.e., the range within which the RFID reader recognizes the tags) is crucial for the efficiency and user-friendliness of such systems.
Standards & Interoperability
The access password is based on:
- EPC Gen2 (ISO/IEC 18000-63), with authentication via a standardized protocol
- Standardized memory structures (Memory Bank 0 – Reserved)
- Clearly defined reader commands for authentication and write protection
These standards were developed based on international standards such as ISO/IEC 18000-63. RAIN RFID plays a central role in interoperability and security, as the technology is based on industry-wide standards.
These standards enable access passwords to function in virtually all common UHF RFID systems
Security & Data Protection
While the Access Password provides basic protection, it is not a cryptographic method. Security is primarily achieved through: increased security during authentication and password management, which prevents manipulation and unauthorized access.
- Standardized authentication procedures
- Correct password management in the higher-level system
- Protected process chains in the backend
The most important features of the access password include mechanisms for data protection, access control, and protection of stored data, which enable the secure and reliable use of RFID technology.
In sensitive areas, the access password is often combined with additional security features, such as additional encryption methods in the system design. The password plays a central role here, as it helps to secure sensitive information within the RFID system and controls access to critical data.
future prospects
With the increasing prevalence of IoT applications and automated supply chains, granular access protection is becoming increasingly important. New technology plays a decisive role in the further development of access passwords and the improvement of RFID security. In the future, system-secure RFID implementations will increasingly rely on:
- More granular rights management
- Dynamic password rotation
- Integrated security modules in the tag
- Optimized backend processes for password management
The access password remains a central component for protected UHF RFID systems.
Fazit
The access password is an essential component of the security concept for UHF RFID tags. It protects data from unauthorized changes and ensures that write access is strictly controlled. This makes it a key contributor to the stability and security of modern RFID access control systems.
The Plöckl Media Group develops RFID labels that are compatible with access password-based protection mechanisms. Through optimized materials, antenna designs, and coding, we ensure that labels function reliably even in protected systems.
Frequently asked questions
What is an access password and how does it work in RFID systems?
An access password is a 32-bit password that is stored in a UHF RFID tag and controls access to protected memory areas or functions. It ensures that only authorized RFID readers can perform write accesses by requiring authentication for each access attempt.
What is the difference between an access password and a kill password?
The access password provides temporary protection against unauthorized access and enables controlled write access to the tag. The kill password, on the other hand, permanently deactivates the RFID tag and cannot be reversed. Both passwords are stored independently of each other in the tag's reserved memory bank.
In which applications is the access password mainly used?
The access password is mainly used in areas where sensitive or production-relevant data must be protected, such as in logistics, healthcare, Industry 4.0, and retail. For example, it secures serialization data, medication information, or anti-theft solutions.
How secure is the access password and what protection mechanisms are in place?
Das Access Password bietet grundlegenden Schutz durch standardisierte Authentifizierungsprozesse und kontrollierte Passwortverwaltung. Es ist jedoch kein kryptografisches Verfahren. Für höhere Sicherheit wird es oft mit weiteren Schutzmechanismen wie Verschlüsselung und sicheren Backend-Prozessen kombiniert.
What future trends are emerging in the area of access passwords and RFID security?
In the future, more granular rights management, dynamic password rotations, integrated security modules in RFID tags, and optimized backend processes for password management will become increasingly important. The access password will remain a central element for secure and reliable UHF RFID systems.