Energy surrounds us at all times. Most of the time, this energy is necessary, it keeps everything on earth working the way it is supposed to. It also helps to create new things every day. Scientists are constantly learning new ways to harness the energy to be used in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, this energy can also be harmful. One type of harmful energy is called an EMP which stands for electromagnetic pulse. If this pulse is centered in an area where there are no electronic devices or electricity, it will not be a problem; however, it will damage any electronic device in its path. The level of damage will be determined by the strength of the pulse.
A Small pulse can short out a device that is plugged into an outlet that is hit, it can also temporarily incapacitate electronic devices. A larger pulse has the ability to render all electronics in its path useless. An incredibly large pulse can take out all electricity and electronics within a specified radius. This is only one of the ways the energy that is all around us can be destructive. People of ill intent can use this energy to intercept, alter, disrupt, or cancel any electronic signal. This can include accessing laptops, smartphones, tablets, desktops, key fobs, even credit card scanners. Because of this, it is vital to find ways to protect yourself from this type of ill-intentioned use of the earth’s vital energies. Here, you will learn about a fantastic invention called a Faraday bag which will allow you to easily and effortlessly protect all of your devices from any of these types of attacks.
The first thing to understand is the various ways that your information can be accessed at any given time. First on the list is credit cards. There are devices called RFID scanners that can access all of a credit cards information through a pocket, a wallet, or even a handbag. Someone interested in gaining your credit card information can do so simply by walking past you in a store. Thankfully, there is a version of a Faraday bag that can protect your information which you will learn about shortly.
Now, consider a key fob. Every new car has one. This small device gives the user the ability to lock/unlock the doors of the vehicle, remotely open the trunk, sound the cars alarm, and in many cases even start the vehicle’s engine. Anyone with the appropriate equipment can intercept the signals used by the key fob to access the internal system of your vehicle. There are several ways to protect yourself from this including the use of specialized Faraday bags.
Next, consider smartphones, tablets, and laptops, these items are often carried around by the user everywhere they go. Stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, work, home, and anywhere else they may go. This is particularly true of smart phones, but can apply to any of the aforementioned devices. Any one of these can be remotely accessed at any time, especially in they are connected to an unsecured internet connection. By placing these devices in a Faraday bag, you can eliminate the possibility of being accessed when the device is not in use. There are also a few other steps you can take to prevent misuse while connected and in use.
Now that you understand what all may need protection, it is important to understand how a Faraday bag works. A Faraday bag is a variation of a container called a Faraday cage. These two things are essentially the same with the only difference being that the bag is designed for everyday use while the cage is more long term. There are various sizes and shapes, each one meant to protect a specific type of device. These bags are lined with materials that, when combined, have the ability to block every type of digital signal you can imagine. All Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular data, and RFID signals are completely blocked. This block works both to keep signals out and keep them in. Consider that each of these devices transmit signals as well as receive them. Sometimes it is every bit as important to keep signals in as to keep them out. For example, a key fob emits signals to your vehicle which is what those intent on gaining access to your vehicle use to accomplish their goals. Both a Faraday bag and a Faraday cage have the necessary design to accomplish this, all you have to do is decide which is right for your needs.
When it comes to Faraday containers, there are a few things that you must decide. First, you must decide whether you need a cage or a bag. As previously stated, the primary difference is the format. A bag is designed to be carried with you and used daily, sometimes multiple times per day. A cage on the other hand, is designed to be more stationary and to provide continuous protection for an extended period of time.
For items that you use every day, particularly those you carry around with you, a bag is the best option. If you are preparing for a possible disaster such as a major EMP or need to protect a specific device or area for a while, a cage is best. After you decide whether you need a bag or a cage, you will have to decide whether you are going to buy one or make one. It is more difficult, almost impossible to build a bag on your own. Although, a cage is fairly easy to build, just keep in mind that it will not look like a cage at all. Once you have that answer, you will need to determine size. This of course, will be determined by what you are protecting. If you are buying a bag, there are quite a few different sizes to choose from. There are wallets designed to protect your credit and debit cards, small holders for key fobs, several medium sizes to fit smartphones, tablets, notebooks, and full-size laptops respectively. There is also a fairly large option that would allow you to store multiple items at the same time.
