RegardingID Archive | Gag order lifted for MIT students

Friday, August 22, 2008

The MIT students who hacked the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority payment card system are free to speak once again, according to an Associated Press report. A federal judge lifted the gag order preventing the three from presenting on the transit system’s security vulnerabilities.

The students were scheduled to present their findings at DefCon, an annual computer hackers’ convention in Las Vegas, two weeks ago. But the MBTA was granted a temporary injunction that prevented the presentation.

The MBTA is continuing with its suit against the student and MIT stating that they violated the federal Computer Fraud & Abuse Act. The agency has also confirmed that there are security vulnerabilities with its transit card and is working to correct then, though it’s going to take five months.

While the gag order has been in place the students’ presentation has been available for download online. The 87-page report, “Anatomy of a Subway Hack,” details the variety of different ways the students were able to get free rides.

The MBTA uses MIFARE contactless technology, which has been compromised by a couple of researchers. Last month semiconductor manufacturer NXP sued Dutch university students to prevent them from releasing research about their hack of the company’s MIFARE cards. The judge dismissed the case and the hack will be released soon.

The Smart Card Alliance Transportation Council has published a white paper examining how the transit industry can best make use of NFC technology.

“One of the major challenges facing transit agencies today is how to capitalize on the ever-growing popularity of mobile phones with a solid mobile strategy,” said Transportation Council Chairman Craig Roberts. “This white paper builds on the knowledge base developed in earlier white papers to foster a greater understanding of NFC technology, explain its role in the transit industry, and shed light on key issues facing the transit industry in developing a mobile strategy.”

Wisconsin colleges issuing voter IDs, ACLU sues state over voter law

While more Wisconsin colleges are issuing voter identification cards to students, the ACLU is suing the state over its recently-passed voter ID law that, the organization claims, makes it more difficult for some students and others to vote in the state’s elections.

Wisconsin university offering free voter ID cards

With many states requiring voter ID cards, and if you’re a student, proof of enrollment, some colleges are offering students free cards that will enable them to vote.

Illinois high school tests program to track bus riders

Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, Ill., is piloting a program that can track students on school buses. The goal is to increase safety while determining more efficient bus routes. The school rolled out the program in late January that provides each student with a card that the student uses as he enters or exits a school bus.

Washington, D.C. students now need DC's One Card

Washington D.C. high school and middle school students now need a DC One Card to ride the city’s transit system. The card is a single ID card that gives students access to most D.C. government programs and facilities, including recreation centers, libraries, and the Metro.

U-Pass contract prevents dropout students from keeping transit benefits

The Province of British Columbia, the University of British Columbia and the Alma Mater Society have negotiated a plan to prevent students from dropping out of courses but still keeping their subsidized U-Pass, according to The Ubyssey.

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Gag order lifted for MIT students