About Us
Author of stories where nothing is as it seems
Author of stories where nothing is as it seems
Author of stories where nothing is as it seems
A Little Background
Author of stories where nothing is as it seems
Author of stories where nothing is as it seems
Geoffrey M. Gluckman is the author of The Secret Keepers, the sequel to the award- winning spy thriller, Deadly Exchange (2007). He also authored Murder of Sex (2013), a steamy-romance suspense novel. Previously, he has acted as a second level judge in the Maryland Writer’s Association Novel Contest (2011/2012), critiquing entries for
Geoffrey M. Gluckman is the author of The Secret Keepers, the sequel to the award- winning spy thriller, Deadly Exchange (2007). He also authored Murder of Sex (2013), a steamy-romance suspense novel. Previously, he has acted as a second level judge in the Maryland Writer’s Association Novel Contest (2011/2012), critiquing entries for fiction selection. He has been a featured author for the Foothill College Author Series, University of British Columbia creative writing classes, and Simon Fraser University writing classes, as well as numerous radio, print, and online interviews. In the past, he wrote full-length features for various print publications in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, such as Iron Horse Magazine and Law Enforcement Technology.
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The Secret Keepers: A Novel
The story
The long awaited sequel to the award-winning spy thriller Deadly Exchange:
When Sara Nardell and Peter Wellington meet with a man telling a tale of an upscale brothel in the heart of Manhattan, it disrupts the easy life of reunion that Sara and Frank Revere have enjoyed over the last year and a half.
Peter springs into action and assembles the Team, now part of a United Nations Special Operations unit. And Sara soon discovers a world rampant with sex trafficking, from Vancouver to China.
What begins as a relatively simple mission blows up into something with much larger consequences, including economic world dominance, which endangers members of the Team and citizens of all western nations. At the center of it, shrouded in deception, hides a Chinese government-sanctioned group, known only as The Elders.
Like sediment stirred in a stream, deeper layers only further muddy the waters of truth…and increase peril for all.
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Cyber Terrorism: The Next Threat
(Updated 29 February 2016)
Do you think your personal information stored on the Internet, Apps, or on personal your computer is safe from theft? Do you think companies or the government is able to protect you from having that information stolen? Perhaps, but sadly, according to experts, the answer is probably not.
While the war against ISIL continues, another threat quietly builds momentum and only requires the use of ones and zeros.
Yes, it is cyber terrorism.
Since the U.S. military unleashed the Internet upon the world in the early 1990’s, the threat of cyber attacks have grown year by year.
Every week the news media reports another hacking breach of data belonging to a company or a government, A recent example: the November 2014 cyber attack on Sony perpetrated by the North Korean government. Evidence revealed that the malware used was not very sophisticated, which surprised many. More alarming was the fact, stated by cyber experts, that the defenses of most companies would not have been able to prevent the attack. To combat the increase in cyber attacks companies are protecting their organizations with cyber insurance, up 32 percent this year. However, this does nothing to prevent attacks, rather merely addresses the problems created by data stolen. Think of it like going to the doctor after you already have a disease. This is not preventative, rather merely damage control.
Another example, though less publicized and slightly different, was the penetration of the Pentagon in 2008 by the Chinese government. This attack stemmed from a virus injection from a thumb-drive inserted into a computer within the Pentagon. In addition, China Eagle Union and Unit 61398, two hacker groups supposedly only loosely connected with the Chinese government, have infiltrated many U.S. government databases. The Chinese government has denied any allegations of support for such activity.
More recently, President Obama and Chinese President Xi agreed to a cyber detente, of sorts. In essence, both countries agreed to not try to penetrate the databases of the other. Time will tell.
If you don’t believe hacking is a problem, then consider this: August 2013, at the annual hacker conference, U.S. Army General Keith Alexander, director of the National Security Agency (NSA), delivered the keynote address, which was a plea for assistance from the hacking community to defend the U.S.
Not to be an alarmist, but if you think that cyber threats don’t pose a risk to you, then you may be fooling yourself. As of June 2015, a German hacker prevention team found a security loophole in some Apps, which if accessed would allow hackers to obtain personal information. In fact, there was a fake app code that surfaced, allowing such access, but Apple quickly stopped the proliferation of the malware. However, the same issue could be true of answering that Facebook link. Be aware.
Finally, the latest hacking threat is Ransom Ware, where the files on your personal computer are held ransom. Hackers send an infected email or picture to you that looks legitimate and you click on it. Then, in a matter of hours or days, your computer gives you a ransom request, monetary payment, in order to unlock your files, which you have been locked out of. Two recent examples occurred at the Los Angeles Health Department and a Los Angeles hospital. In the latter, the ransom request was for $17000, which they eventually paid.
Symantec states that 100, 000 attacks like this are launched each month.
What is being done?
Currently, Federal Bureau of Investigation officials and cyber security experts are debating whether victims should pay the ransom, but offer no other broad-ranging solutions.
My suggestion: back up your entire computer regularly on a storage device that is not connected to the Internet.
So, while those of us that are non-techies may be unwitting targets, the governments around the world are aware of the problem, but are struggling with real solutions.
Protect your personal information.
Sources:
60 Minutes. CBS (aired 12 April 2015).
PBS NewsHour. PBS (aired February 2016 and October 2015).
Washington Post article (1 August 2015).
Nightly Business Report. PBS (aired 17 June 2015).
Sex Trafficking: The Facts
Definition: sex trafficking is the acquisition and exploitation of individuals for profit (according to the United Nations).
-it is a multi-billion dollar illegal industry
-2.5 million people are trafficked each year (as of June 2011 stats)
-the majority of governments around the world are indifferent to sex trafficking or only impose a $500 fine (or currency equivalent) on traffickers
-a common ploy is to advertise for domestic workers in a nearby country, then those that apply are often kidnapped and forced into sex slavery
-the average trafficking run is 3-4 men
Trafficking ring procedures for enslavement:
-girls are often drugged and beaten by captors
-girls service 8 to 15 “clients” per day
-cycle of debt bondage created by captors – this entails that girls can buy their freedom, but typically as they approach the “freedom” price, then they are sold to a new “keeper”, thus recreating the debt bondage cycle
Source countries:
Odessa, Ukraine – a port city on the Black Sea
Moldova
Destination countries:
Turkey – from here victims can be anywhere in the world in 3-4 days (from Istanbul)
Western Europe
U.S specific facts:
-every major city has a “Track” – the route/road/street walked by prostitutes, many of whom are forced into this position (many are under 21 years of age)
-75% of sex trafficking starts online
-80% of sex trafficking girls are U.S. citizens
-average customer = employed/married/40 years old
-if a raid frees sex slaves, then individuals are deported to home country (not treated as victims, rather as prostitutes)
-trafficking is prohibited in the U.S. by the Mann Act (1910), which “prohibits the interstate transportation of women for immoral purposes”. Further additions and protections have been added, including for men, underage humans, and expanded language.
Read more about this in the novel: The Secret Keepers
Sources:
American Sex Slave. National Geographic TV, aired February 2013.
Crime Inc.: Human Trafficking. CNBC, aired June 2011.
Sex Traffic. MSNBC, aired November 2010.
Look Around: Sex Trafficking is not a foreign concept. Petula Dvorak. Washington Post article. May 21, 2010.
Sex Slaves. WETA, aired May 2009.
Glenny, Misha. McMafia: Seriously Organised Crime. Vintage Books, 2009.
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Murder of Sex: A Novel
Praise for Murder of Sex
“Geoffrey Gluckman has an excellent writing style and a real knack for keeping the reader guessing and engrossed in the book. The author creates a scenario to grab the reader’s attention and take them into Josh’s world of sex and betrayal. He does a remarkable job of setting the stage and making the reader feel as if they are part of the story.”
Yvonne, Socrates’ Book Review Blog
“Erotic thriller? or literary, mind-enhancing handbook? This book surprises at every page turn.” -Lucia (Amazon review)
Amazon Kindle links: Murder of Sex
BN Nook links: Murder of Sex
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Publisher Direct links: Murder of Sex (print and e-versions)
Amazon Author Page link: Geoffrey M. Gluckman
The story
An incendiary tale of lust, passion, love, betrayal, and loss. Intimate sexual relationships may never be the same.
When Dr. Josh Flagon, a professor of literature at a moderate sized liberal arts Nevada university, is drawn to an irresistible co-ed, Rebecca Reaper, little does he know it will take him on a lustful, passionate, life-changing ride. It will also jeopardize all that he values—his career— and all that he seeks—freedom.
While teaching classes and writing, Flagon uncovers a secret that boils beneath his cool, scholarly veneer. Rebecca, a brilliant student and sensual siren, reveals that mystery and much more to the professor through their passionate tryst. But at what price? Is it worth killing for?
While the couple vacation on a secluded Hawaiian Island, a mysterious incident occurs that further challenges their relationship. From that point, Flagon’s life spirals out of control until be- friended by the unlikely, yet ever-wise Puerto Rican gangster, Jorge Luis Juarez.
In a haunting tale that weaves the literary with street smarts, passion with desolation, imprisonment with emancipation, and the desires of mankind with its origins, there thrives something to savor for every adult who has entered the intimate relationship arena and sought deeper answers to life’s questions.
More praise for Murder of Sex
“Move over 50 Shades Of Grey, there is a new kid on the block! But unlike 50 Shades Of Grey Geoffrey Gluckman has a fabulous plot line and a cunning way of telling the story…. a very fine piece of literature. It is a wonderful exploration of the human psyche. Where does love end and obsession begin?”
Simon Barrett, reviewer, Bloggernews Network
“Murder of Sex” was a very exciting novel. It included the various demons associated with the world of sex. I enjoyed reading this novel and look forward to more novels from author Geoffrey M. Gluckman…
Reviewed by Tekisha, OOSA Online Bookclub, Goodreads 4 stars
“The story gripped me right from the opening sentence…The author brilliantly builds up the suspense leading up to the tragic moment that lies at the heart of the book and then describes it so well you will have your heart in your mouth as you read it!” -Dean (Amazon review)
“This book has got to be the best work of fiction I read in a long time. It is a masterpiece on human intimate relationships. It is filled with metaphors and imagery displaying depth into human psychology and motivation. The book shows a great insight into how we can be imprisoned by our emotions of desire, love and jealousy…” Sefali (Amazon.co.uk review)
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Sex Secrets
Sex Secrets
Sex Secrets: Part 1: Hieros Gamos
by Geoffrey M. Gluckman
Throughout the ages the quest for secrets have enthralled many a seeker. Often the “secret” is generated because the original information from antiquity has been misplaced. The lore of secrets pertaining to occult societies create the greatest draw, such as the hidden key symbol in Dan Brown’s novel, The Lost Symbol. Another popular secret is the treasure of the Knight Templars, purportedly stashed somewhere between Scotland to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
The arena of sex offers its share of tantalizing and enigmatic mysteries and legends, each with dutiful seekers. Of course, Viagra has enlivened hordes of men, many who sought the secret to re-awakening dormant desires.
One of the oldest Western secret sex traditions, also touched on by Dan Brown in his Da Vinci Code, is the two thousand year old ritual, Hieros Gamos. Referenced from ancient texts, this tradition is much older, but certainly thrived around the time of Christ. In Greek, it means “holy marriage”. It is a sexual ritual that enacts a marriage between a God and Goddess, with humans playing the parts of deities. The actual performance is not a given in this scenario.
At a deeper, more spiritual level, it is meant to be a harmonization of opposites, like Water and Fire, yin and yang. In fact, Hieros Gamos may have its roots dating back to the Ancient Near East, in particular the land of Sumer, where the ritual was practiced in a temple at the time of Vernal Equinox.
The premise behind Hieros Gamos revered the natural sexual union between a man and a woman through which each became spiritually whole. (This would indicate that one is not inherently spiritually complete to begin with.) Nevertheless, a good way to exert control over a population. Not unlike the illusion of incompleteness popularized by many religions, cults, and secret societies.
The interesting key behind Hieros Gamos is that sexual union is not demonized nor demoralized. The sexual act between a man and a woman is sacred because of the God-like byproduct–life. As the Book of Genesis (and all other sources for major religions) tells us, Creation is the realm of God or, in some cultures, the Gods. Also, Hieros Gamos revered the sacred feminine, which was the main reason for it becoming secret because the Church was asserting the power of the masculine. In addition, at the moment of climax, especially for men, there is a fleeting instance of selflessness, also known in some circles as Nirvana or existing in the void–God’s space.
These are the secrets of Hieros Gamos. The two key aspects are 1) the reverence for the sacred feminine, and 2) the illusion that each of us is incomplete.
For the latter, you are naturally spiritually whole (referenced by many ancient texts, many of which have been kept hidden), unless you BELIEVE that you are not. Anyone that tells you that you are incomplete is probably trying to control you.
Sex Secrets: Part 2: Sexual Magic
by Geoffrey M. Gluckman
This a term for various forms of sexual activity employed in rituals and religious/spiritual endeavors. The premise behind such practices relies on utilizing the enhanced energy of sex to break the bounds of one’s normal perception of reality. This tradition finds its origins from thousands of years ago in the Far East(3), which were written down, but not necessarily in English. The earliest known modern Western writings come from Paschal Beverly Randolph(1), a 19th century occultist, whose instructions were quite clear and specific on the practice, especially about the participants. Probably the most prolific person on the topic is the infamous Aleicester Crowley(2), creator of the system of Magick. He authored at least 5 works that include some sort of reference to the subject.
The real key to sexual magic lies at the point of orgasm (preferably for both partners simultaneously), where the seeker enters a “loss of consciousness” state, thereby better harnessing the limitless energies of great power available in the universe.
Again, like “Sex Secrets: Part 1: Hieros Gamos”, the link of sex magic is to the power of conception, the creative energy uniting with the sacred feminine.
For example: at the point of orgasm, the aspirant visualizes on a symbol. The symbol typically represents something the seeker wishes to manifest.
Why do this?
Because what the mind focuses on projects into the material realm-in other words-manifests. Numerous ancient texts, from various cultures, have taught this precept. Thus, by focusing the mind at a point when it is free from its normal boundaries affords a great opportunity for manifestation.
Voila–magic.
References:
1) Deveney, J.P. Paschal Beverly Randolph: A Nineteenth Century Black American Spiritualist, Rosecrucian, and Sex Magician. (Albany, NY. 1996)
2) Crowley, Aleicester. (Numerous books, writings on subject.)
3) Hua-Ching Ni. Harmony: the Art of Life. (Santa Monica, CA. 2000).
Sex Secrets: Part Two
Sex Secrets: Part 3: Million Dollar Point
by Geoffrey M. Gluckman
This little mystery comes from the Taoist traditions of the Far East and has been kept fairly well hidden, except to wealthy clients visiting high-end brothels in various parts of the world, and to initiates of certain secret sects.
It is one of numerous Taoist sexual practices, also called, “Joining Energy” or “The Joining of the Essences.” These practices are believed to maintain health and increase longevity. The latter relates to the increase of body aging due to the loss of “jing” (essence) in semen during any ejaculation, not for procreation. Many Taoists practice techniques of both building and conserving “jing”, thereby lessening the loss of vital force (energy)(3)
Technically, the million dollar point technique, known as retrograde ejaculation, requires re-directing the full force of orgasm (for a man) by using the acupuncture point, REN-1 HuiYin(1). However, any aspirant is warned that the technique requires subtlety and cultivation or re-directing the sexual energy flow to his body or to his lover’s. This is not done by merely stopping the ejaculation with pressure on the perineum point, which can be dangerous. Rather, it is the subtle technique of activating and transforming an acupuncture point into a place of profound energy flow that is re-circulated into the practitioner’s body, especially the center of the brain.
The re-circulation of the sexual energy (jing chi) is the key to the Taoist secret practice, not the pressure on the perineum point (located between the anus and the testes sac attachment)(2).
In fact, Winn (1) warns that if you are not able to recirculate the sexual energy, then you are creating a stagnation of that energy, which could be quite harmful. Oddly enough, if you have the ability to re-circulate the energy, then you have no need of the million dollar point technique.
Overall, the key usage of this secret Taoist practice is for alchemy in the energetic management of your body, especially transforming life energy into revitalization throughout the body.
References:
1) Winn, Michael. Taoist Secrets of Love. (Aurora, CO 1984).
2) Hua-ching Ni. Harmony: the Art of Life. (Santa Monica, CA 2000).
3) Wile, Douglas. The Art of the Bedchamber: The Chinese Sexual Yoga Classics. (Albany, NY 1992).
Sex Secrets: Part 4: Three-to-One (Heart’s Desire)
by Geoffrey M. Gluckman
This sex secret is hardly ever mentioned in any writings, esoteric or otherwise, though may be handed down from master to aspirant through word of mouth.
However, the result of the practice–a conduit that runs through the center of the body from loins through the heart and exits the crown–is mentioned in numerous spiritual disciplines (1,2,3,4).
This conduit represents a clear channel through which essence (chi) (1) energy flows through each being. If there are blockages along that conduit, such as in the heart, then the conduit becomes inhibited. For our purposes related to sex secrets, the focus for being devoid of blockages lies in three regions–the loins, the cavity above the belly (middle burner), and the heart.
Each of these areas equates to a special property: loins=lust energy; middle cavity=passion; and the heart=love energy. A triumvirate for power.
If each is clear and the conduit is connected, then the resultant transformation within one’s being is literally phenomenal.
If both you and your partner (male & female) are both clear and engage in sex, then what occurs is nothing short of trans-dimensional. By this I mean the barriers of three dimensions dissolve and the state of oneness may be realized for one or both persons.
Truly, if I may say, it is nothing short of mind-blowing. Of course, this state of clarity within is not easy to reach or maintain.
There you have the last sex secret in this series.
- Gawin, Shakti. Chakras.
- Gleason, William. The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido. (Rochester, VT 1995.)
- Hua-ching Ni. Harmony: the Art of Life. (Santa Monica, CA 2000).
- Yogi Ramacharaka. The Science of Breath. (Chicago, IL 1904).
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Deadly Exchange: A Novel
Praise for Deadly Exchange
Winner of Honorable Mention at the 2009 Los Angeles Book Festival (runner-up to Grand Prize winner)
“…moves along at the speed of light. The excitement starts on page one, and keeps going till the final sentence…”
– Simon Barrett, Blogger News Network, Reviewer
“…a riveting spectacle of thrills and chills that comes with a heart and soul. More than just some thriller you put away after a reading, it is also a warning about making bargains with personal freedoms…”
– Podler Review
Amazon Author Page link: Geoffrey M. Gluckman
Amazon Kindle links: Deadly Exchange
Apple iBooks link: Deadly Exchange
BN Nook links: DeadlyExchange
Publisher direct link: Deadly Exchange (e-versions)
The story
What if the company you work for could control your mind?
Only weeks remain before Lectures And More, Inc., a company representing the world’s top motivational speakers, launches its latest technological advance: a mind-altering radio frequency device sold as a work-site enhancement product. The deceptively altruistic Ulrich Rogers spearheads the company and its reeducation programs, incorporating the presentational prowess and charm of Jennifer Chance, a world-renowned motivational speaker. But as the lies that make up her life begin to unravel like threads on a poorly sewn garment, it becomes evident that nothing is as it seems.
Jennifer alone holds the key to unveil Rogers’s plot to hold America hostage using Lectures And More’s newest device. Plunged into a twisting chase to escape the clutches of Rogers and his former espionage henchmen, Jennifer seeks help from Frank Revere, an enigmatic former government counterintelligence agent. But the question of who to trust continues to dangle in Jennifer’s mind. Thousands of lives hang in the balance, but a deeper deception lurks in the shadows …
Brimming with suspense, danger, and mystery, Deadly Exchange conjures up a blend of the ordinary, the arcane, the seen, and the unseen in the search for truth.
More Praise for Deadly Exchange
“…a fast-paced thriller.”
– Eric D. Goodman, Borders Books Reviewer, author of The Flightless Goose
“…this is a fantastic book! …a love story intricately entangled with a devious, take-over-the-world story.”
– Desiree DiFabio, www.book-club-queen.com/review
“…an exciting thriller that keeps readers at the edge of their seats. This is a frightening story that leads to an explosive ending. This has the makings for an excellent movie.”
– Socrates Book Reviews
“…a very exciting and compelling read.” – Margaret Orford, Allbooks Reviewer
“…CREEPY. Ok one more word … PLAUSIBLE. Yikes. Gluckman [has] put together a great thriller … the pages flew by…”
– Monie G, Reading with Monie
“Deadly Exchange is a novel that feels closer to the political truth about modern lives in America than anything I’ve read in a long time …”
– Susanna Herrera, author of Mango Elephants in the Sun
“…a real pageturner.” –Kathy Patrick, Head Queen, Pulpwood Queens Book Club
“Having worked intel for Uncle Sam, Deadly Exchange was glued to my hands from cover to cover. When’s the next one coming? Look out “Jason Bourne”, Frank Revere is in town! … a most wonderful book.”
–Jeff Allen, Florida
“I really enjoyed it. I liked it even more than the last LeCarre I read” –Rocco Marano Reston, VA
“Deadly Exchange grabs you early and doesn’t let go. This highly original thriller is much more than page turner…”
–John Clapp, PhD., author and professor, Ohio State University
I LOVED Deadly Exchange! – Irene Nelson, Bay Area, CA
Related Articles
Making America Great
by Geoffrey M. Gluckman
Presidential Donald J. Trump wants to do just that. An excellent aim. I agree.
And to do that, it is important to look back at the history of America. What made America great to begin with, so much so that many longed to come here?
Freedom. It is this single word that inspired our founding fathers–freedom from the tyranny of the British crown.
In the words of one of those founders, John Adams, “Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people”.
What knowledge does he mean? Let’s look at the formulation of America by the founders. It was a representative democracy–an entirely new experiment in the history of nation states, which included a system of checks and balances. This new nation gave each citizen the power and the right to elect a representative to govern and lead on behalf of the citizens. (At present, many citizens do not exercise this right, yet complain about government.) This body of elected officials (Congress) was empowered by the people, for the people, to legislate laws and policies that served the greater good of all citizens (not corporations).
The freedom of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness remains a cornerstone of America. However, a fear consciousness threatens that foundation. That freedom is guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, creed, color, or religion.
If we impede the rights of other citizens, if we succumb to that fear consciousness, then we begin to erode the very key that makes America great.
In the past, America has shown itself to be great through demonstrations of fairness, generosity, strength of might, and rule of law.
For example, freedom led America to lead the world in innovation and industry, such as in the 19th century. In 1853, American steam-powered warships arrived off the coast of Japan, not for conquest, rather for opening trade. Japan was a closed and isolated culture that had never seen steamships, nor revolvers. That isolation made them fearful(1).
Another example, in 1872, America established the first National Park–Yellowstone. The idea was to set aside regions within the country so that they could be enjoyed and shared with the citizens, and with foreign visitors. These places are the nation’s common ground. They belong to the people, but not for economic exploitation, which had occurred at Niagara Falls(2)
America is not made great because of its economy and capitalist-based mode of operation. These last two factors are merely byproducts of the original foundation–freedom.
Let’s make America great again, through a knowledgeable and free citizenry. Then, we will not need false leaders with empty promises.
Sources:
- Walworth, Arthur. Black Ships Off Japan: The Story of Commodore Perry’s Expedition. Hamden, CT: Archon Books, 1966.
- “This Land Is Your Land.” National Geographic, January 2016, p. 24-47.
(For more on America’s identity, read Deadly Exchange, an award winner thriller.)
Donald Trump, America, Constitution, Founding Fathers, public lands, Malheur Preserve
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Technology
Technology Tracking You
By Geoffrey M. Gluckman
By now, most of us are aware that retailers track our purchases and interests. For the sake of convenience, our credit cards come imbedded with hi-tech chips to further that end and ease your ability to buy. But technology is raising the bar and allowing more detailed tracking of your assets and you.
Welcome to the twenty first century, where your credit card knows more than you do.
The hi-tech chips on credit cards and even some passports are an advancement of old technology, a transponder or electronic tag, originally developed to track planes in WWII under the Friend or Foe operation.
Now, as businesses become more mobile, both in personnel and services, employers desire to monitor their assets. Whether a package, an employee, or a shipment of goods, the game of intelligent tracking has arrived.
That microchip is known as a Radio Frequency Identification Device or RFID. It makes the process of location and identification of almost any object readily available, even down to mere centimeters, whether in transit or in storage.
RFID chips have tiny antennae and are capable of broadcasting their data wirelessly to anyone with a RFID reader. In effect, it is poised to replace the older, more limited system of barcodes, though that may take some time.
Today, these devices fall into two categories: active and passive. Passive RFID requires an external power supply, as it is not contained within the tag. Usually a signal is sent from the reader, which powers the transponder, enabling communication back to the reader. This type of RFID can come with a chip or without. Active RFID contains an inherent power source, a larger memory capacity, and increased transmittal distance. Until recently the most common usage for active RFID was for tollbooth speed passes, such as on the Dulles Toll Road near Washington, D.C.
Passive RFID systems are the most prevalent, but both employ three types of frequencies. These are: ultra high (300MHz to 3GHz), high (10-15 MHz), and low (125-500 kHz). Active RFID systems are on the rise as technology continues to advance.
According to Bob Moroz, President of the RMoroz Company, a switch to “contact-less” credit cards has begun. This technology embeds a RFID chip into a card, thus protecting it from the external environment, increasing security, and allowing for greater memory storage for data, such as biometric information.
“[RFIDs] take away the form factor,” states Bob Moroz. “For instance, data can be stored on a chip in a cellphone, a watch, or a wristband. It is not limited to a plastic card.”
While most companies focus on tracking products, federal and state governments will soon be tracking their residents. Though the state of Virginia has delayed an initiative to imbed RFIDs into state driver’s licenses, it is still on the books. As with other security measures, these chips will store important identification data, such as date of birth, social security number, a digital fingerprint copy, and even 3-D facial information. This has drawn much criticism from privacy advocacy groups, especially the American Civil Liberties Union. Nevertheless, June 2006 saw the Department of State imbedding RFID in U.S. passports. This follows on the heels of an identical program completed by Australia.
Going a step further, as early as 2002, Applied Digital Solutions of Palm Beach, Florida unveiled a syringe-injectable RFID chip, the size of a grain of rice, called “Verichip”. Company documents state it is a transceiver “that sends and receives data and can be continuously tracked by GPS”, which they successfully demonstrated in 2000 at an investor launch. Each chip carries a unique ID number and can be activated by an external scanner, which causes a signal to transmit the data to a telephone number, the Internet, or a storage device. The electromagnetics of muscular contraction power the device, which body tissue surrounds after insertion. In addition, the company claims that this chip is superior to other biometric security measures because it is impervious to tampering.
More recently, CityWatcher.com, a Cincinnati, Ohio company, implanted two employees with such a device. However, according to Sean Darks, company CEO, the chip was not intended for tracking, rather to control access to restricted areas.
And so begins the age of tracking humans.
(previously published Credit Union Business, January 2010)
To request a copy of any article, please visit the contact page:
The Business of Asset Tracking (Law Enforcement Technology, June 2006)
Profiling the Future (Law Enforcement Technology, August 2005)
Tracking Vehicle Speed (Iron Horse Magazine, September 2004)
Controlled Remote Viewing: The Future of Surveillance (Law Enforcement Technology, March 2004)
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