This paper is a security and privacy threat analysis of new Federal Information Processing Standard for Personal Identity Verification (FIPS PUB 201). It identifies some problems with the standard, and it proposes solutions to those problems, using standardized cryptographic techniques that are based on the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol [14]. When the standard is viewed in the abstract, it seems to effectively provide security and privacy, because it uses strong cryptographic algorithms. However, when you examine the standard in the context of potential user scenarios regarding its use; security, privacy, and usability problems can be identified. User scenarios are employed to provide the context for the identification of these problems, and the technical solutions are described to address the issues raised.
This report was revised on May 26, 2006.
By: Paul A. Karger
Published in: RC23910 in 2006
LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NOTICE:
This Research Report is available. This report has been submitted for publication outside of IBM and will probably be copyrighted if accepted for publication. It has been issued as a Research Report for early dissemination of its contents. In view of the transfer of copyright to the outside publisher, its distribution outside of IBM prior to publication should be limited to peer communications and specific requests. After outside publication, requests should be filled only by reprints or legally obtained copies of the article (e.g., payment of royalties). I have read and understand this notice and am a member of the scientific community outside or inside of IBM seeking a single copy only.
Questions about this service can be mailed to reports@us.ibm.com .