*Wait a minute – what? European banknotes have DNA in them? Who knew?
via SANS
–Military Will Require Chips to be Tagged with Plant DNA
(October 8, 2012)
In an effort to crack down on counterfeit computer chips, the Defense
Logistics Agency (DLA) will start requiring companies that sell the
devices to the US military to use DNA-tagging to assure their
authenticity. DNA-tagging technology involves engineering plant DNA and
mixing the unique strands with ink used on the chips, or mixing the
strands into materials used in the chips' manufacture. The technology
is used in European banknotes and has helped convict more than 30
counterfeiters. DLA will also issue a formal Request for Information
later this fall to seek suggestions for other technologies to assure
authenticity of parts. DLA director Vice Admiral Mark Harnitchek has put
forth a four-step plan to combat counterfeit chips: test components
already in possession; purchase from original manufacturers and
authorized distributors; deploy software that can detect anomalies; and
require that new microcircuits are tagged with DNA.
http://defense.aol.com/2012/10/08/dla-demands-chip-makers-tag-products-with-plant-dna-a-war-on-co/
