RFID security is a critical component of access control and time tracking for companies today. Nevertheless, many existing systems are still based on outdated technologies such as 125 kHz RFID, MIFARE Classic or LEGIC Prime.
These systems are now considered insecure as they do not offer modern encryption or authentication. As a result, RFID cards can be cloned, access manipulated and security gaps exploited.
Companies are therefore faced with the task of modernizing their RFID systems and migrating to secure RFID standards.
Why RFID systems are insecure: 125 kHz, MIFARE Classic and LEGIC Prime
Insecure RFID technologies are in particular 125 kHz, MIFARE Classic and LEGIC Prime, as they do not offer modern encryption and authentication and can therefore be easily cloned.
125 kHz RFID insecure – no encryption, no security
125 kHz RFID systems work with a static ID that is transmitted unencrypted. This means that
- No encryption
- No authentication
- No protection mechanisms against copying
Attackers can clone RFID cards or read signals with little effort. This technology therefore represents a considerable security risk for companies.
MIFARE Classic is insecure
MIFARE Classic was used as the standard for a long time, but is no longer secure. The Crypto1 algorithm used is considered to be completely compromised. Keys can be extracted and cards duplicated. This makes it possible:
- Copy cards
- Manipulate access rights
- Use systems without authorization
LEGIC Prime security – proprietary, but compromised
LEGIC Prime is also an insecure RFID technology. The system is based on a proprietary security approach without modern, open cryptography. Analyses show that cards can be read, emulated and systems replicated. For companies, this means
- Lack of secure authentication
- Manipulable communication
- Potentially complete system bypass
LEGIC Prime, like MIFARE Classic, should therefore be regarded as an outdated and insecure technology.
Real risks of insecure RFID systems in the company
The use of insecure RFID technologies leads to specific security problems:
- Unauthorized access to buildings
- Manipulation of time recording systems
- Security gaps in access control
- Compliance risks and liability issues
RFID security is therefore not just a technical issue, but part of overall corporate security.
Secure RFID standards as a target image
Modern RFID security solutions rely on established mechanisms and strong encryption. Typical secure RFID standards are
- MIFARE DESFire EV2 and EV3
- LEGIC advant
These technologies offer:
- AES encryption
- Secure authentication
- Protection against RFID attacks
- Multi-application capability
This makes access control and time tracking secure and future-proof.
Strategically implementing RFID migration in the company
RFID migration should not be understood as a one-off exchange, but as a structured process.
1. carry out an inventory analysis
Companies should first clarify:
- which RFID technologies are in use,
- which RFID readers can continue to be used and
- Which systems are affected
2. use hybrid infrastructure
Multi-technology readers enable the parallel operation of old and new cards. This reduces risks and prevents operational interruptions during migration.
3. step-by-step replacement of the RFID cards
The exchange can be carried out efficiently:
- Onboarding new employees,
- in the event of card loss or transponder loss and
- as part of planned rollouts
4. improve the security architecture
In the course of migration, companies should also:
- Establish a key management system similar to a key book,
- monitor existing access and unauthorized access attempts and
- Separate applications cleanly
5. avoid typical mistakes during RFID migration
Common problems in projects are
- The continued use of insecure legacy systems,
- Lack of coordination between IT and specialist departments (e.g. HR),
- an unclear target architecture and
- Underestimating the security risks
Improved RFID security and therefore a successful RFID migration therefore requires a clear strategy and objective.
Conclusion: RFID security as a strategic factor
125 kHz RFID, MIFARE Classic and LEGIC Prime are considered insecure today and should no longer be used in productive systems. Modern RFID standards offer a secure alternative and enable reliable access control and time tracking. Companies that modernize their RFID systems at an early stage benefit from higher security, better scalability and a future-proof infrastructure. ZMI supports companies in implementing secure RFID solutions and migrating existing systems in a structured manner.
