Tamper-proof RFID tags

Radio-frequency identification technologies offer tremendous potential benefits for anyone who needs to identify, track and ensure the security of everything from tools and equipment to

shipment containers passing through the world's ports.

However, until manufacturers begin building RFID capabilities directly into products, the technology has one major Achilles heel: RFID tags can be removed.

'Standard, off-the-shelf tags have no tamper-evident capability at all incorporated into them,' said Andrew Strauch, vice president of MIKHO. 'You can take your fingers and peel it right off and put it on a surface.'

In some cases, if the adhesive is strong, you may need to use a hair dryer and a razor blade to remove the tag.

That won't work with all RFID tags. Active RFID tags,unlike passive RFID tags, can transmit data about their location and status and can be configured to report if they've been tampered with. But active RFID tags are also more expensive 'often 10 to 100 times more expensive ' than passive tags.