Jefferson's Wheel

NXP is suing Radboud University in the Netherlands to prevent them publishing a paper (in ESORICS 2008 in October) containing details on the Mifare classic encryption algorithm (and various flaws they have found in the algorithm). Perhaps the title of the paper, “Dismantling MIFARE Classic”, got NXP’s attention. A hearing is scheduled for July 10.

Articles:

• Dutch chipmaker sues to silence security researchers, c|new News, 9 July 2008.
• NXP sues academic research team – what are they afraid of?, The Tech Herald, 10 July 2008.
• NXP sues to prevent hackers from releasing MIFARE flaws, Secure ID News, 10 July 2008.
• Chipmaker sues to quash research on RFID smart card security flaws, Computer World, 10 July 2008.

[Update 18 July] The judge has denied NXP’s request for an injunction, ruling that “limitations to the freedom of speech are allowed only if there is urgent and obvious threat to society”: Judge denies NXP’s injunction against security researchers, Industry Standard, 18 July 2008.

[Update 21 July] Another article: Dutch court allows publication of Mifare security hole research, CNet News, 18 July 2008. This one includes a picture of Karsten Nohl’s presentation at the Last HOPE Conference.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 10th, 2008 at 11:08 pm and is filed under Cryptography, RFID, Security.