Why Alberta's new COVID-19 vaccine card could lead to fakes
CBC
The Alberta government launched its COVID-19 immunization record on Sunday so vaccinated individuals can print out a card-sized copy — but it turns out getting your name on one isn't difficult.
After the site launched, many took to Twitter to exclaim that the PDF was not locked and that virtually anyone can edit the information on it if they have access to Adobe Reader.
The news comes after the province announced the restriction exemption program on Wednesday, which put the onus on some non-essential businesses to implement a vaccination system for patrons or be subject to additional rules.
Aside from the printable copy, the province also made a digital version available on the MyHealthRecords smart phone app but many have been warned of long wait times to access the website and app.
So, for those who need to show vaccination proof, it seems the print-out is the easiest option — but experts say it's also too easy for unvaccinated individuals to modify.
Cybersecurity expert Ritesh Kotak says aside from editing the PDF, applications like Photoshop can also easily be used to manipulate the card and that at the end of the day, it operates on the honour system.
"We hope that people don't abuse the system. But again, you're kind of leaving it to the public, to self-governance and self regulate," he said.