MIT researchers have developed a new iteration of their anti-tampering ID tag using terahertz waves.
This tiny tag is significantly smaller and cheaper than RFIDs.
It will address a major vulnerability by incorporating microscopic metal particles into the glue that adheres the tag to an object.
The terahertz waves are then used to detect the unique pattern formed by these particles on the item’s surface, creating a fingerprint-like authentication system.
The new anti-tampering tag prevents the counterfeiting by destroying the authentication pattern when the tag is peeled off and reattached to a fake item.
The metal particles act as mirrors for terahertz waves, producing a distinct reflected pattern that is impossible to duplicate once the glue interface is compromised.