Why Shielding?

Electronics are susceptible to a wide variety of physical, security and electromagnetic hazards. Data theft, electrostatic discharge (ESD), electromagnetic pulse (EMP), radio frequency interference (RFI), high power microwaves, etc. can all negatively affect electronics causing device failure. While standard cases guard against physical damage, our cases takes it one step further to protect against these electromagnetic threats. Our unique plastic and composite formulations are an integrated part of the material systems – the cannot be scratched or peeled off, or removed in any way. Faraday Cases provide the necessary physical and shielding capabilities for sensitive electronics to protect from electromagnetic hazards and data theft.

What is EMP?

A high energy EMP has the potential to wipe out the US electrical grid and Internet infrastructure and render most electrical devices inoperable

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a short burst of electromagnetic energy. Such a pulse may occur in the form of a radiated electric or magnetic field or conducted electrical current depending on the source, and may be natural or man-made. EMP interference is generally very damaging to electronic equipment, and at higher energy levels a powerful EMP event can damage physical objects such as buildings and aircraft structures. The end result of a major natural or man-made EMP event could mean significant and long-lasting damage to the electrical grid, Internet, water, and telecommunications, potentially crippling the financial and commerce infrastructure of the country and throwing the US into a preindustrial era. Not to mention damage to medical devices, automobiles and other personal electronic devices that rely on a functioning infrastructure. damage to medical devices, automobiles and other personal electronic devices that rely on a functioning infrastructure.

The damaging effects of high-energy EMP have been used to create weapons. These are typically divided into nuclear and non-nuclear devices. Such weapons, both real and fictional, are gaining awareness from the public by means of popular culture. While there is real potential threat from EMP weapons, greatest and most likely events will result from natural EMP such as from lightening and solar flares. This video from TopGunMilitary, does an excellent job of highlighting potential manmade threats from unfriendly nations. For a closer look at potential natural EMP events, this video from HotWord2Hot provides a decent overview.

Congressional reports have indicated that as much as 90% of the US population would die as a result of the breakdown in infrastructure and society

There is increased awareness and pressure on the U.S. government to take significant steps to protect the national electrical grid from a major natural or manmade EMP event. Articles in Forbes Magazine highlight the result of early nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War in 1962 and the unexpected impact to Hawaii’s power grid. The article goes on to highlight potential threats from unfriendly nations and the potential catastrophic events that could result from an EMP.  The Wall Street Journal reports that in 2004 and 2008, the EMP Congressional Commission reported on the potential impacts of an EMP event, the findings of the report were grim and cited EMP as the single greatest threat to the U.S. and our Allies. While the government has been slow to apply military technologies to protecting the civilian infrastructure, progress has been made. In June 2013, Rep. Trent Franks (R., Ariz.) and Rep. Yvette Clark (D., N.Y.) introduced the Secure High-voltage Infrastructure for Electricity from Lethal Damage, or Shield, Act.

Technologies to protect against EMP have existing for decades but are not broadly available. While we must rely on our government to protect critical infrastructure and provide defense against both natural and manmade threats, there are precautions that should be taken to prepare for such events. Faraday Cases is singularly focused on providing simple and effective solutions that protect modern day preparedness equipment from Electromagentic threats.

We offer cases and kits that come with must-have equipment such as HAM radios, UV sterilization pens, and tablets loaded with survival tips, maps, and other useful information that will not be accessible without a functioning Internet.

 

 

Links and Resources

There are volumes of information available on the Internet related to EMP, EMI, RFI and the effects of an event.

Following are a list of resources:

VIDEOS

1. 1. Janine Pirro: “Lights Out: The Danger to US Power Grid”
      
      A 40 minute video produced by Fox News discussing the danger posed to Americans’ lives, property, and way of life if an EMP attack, solar flare, or terrorist attack brings down the US power grid.
   2. Learn how to prepare for and survive an EMP attack.
      
      A 42 minute video discussing the threat of an EMP attack from another country.

ARTICLES

1. The Hill “American policies on EMP defense cannot be guided by the ignorant.“
2. Wikipedia explanation of an Electromagnetic Pulse
3. Wall Street Journal “The Growing Threat from an EMP Attack”
4. Forbes “Failure to Protect U.S. Against Electromagnetic Pulse Threat Could Make 9/11 Look Trivial Someday”
5. William R. Forstchen PhD, Author of “One Second After” – “EMP 101, A Basic Primer & Suggestions For Preparedness”
6. VOA News “US Defenseless Against North Korean EMP Threat”
7. Travel & Leisure “How to Keep Your Mobile Devices Secure”
8. Credit.com “The 10 Dumbest Risks People Take With Their Smartphone”
9. CNN Money “How the NSA can ‘turn on’ your phone remotely”
10. The Sun “Brace Yourself, Solar flare spewing from mega hole in the sun could cause blackout mayhem.“