wifibsd

Everyone knows that an aluminum hat will keep your thoughts safe from the government’s mind-reading technologies. But did you know that you can secure your WiFi network in the same way? Well, more or less

Metal-infused paint has been shown to be an effective means of locking down your WiFi signal – and of keeping out interference created by the neighbor’s wireless devices. The latest incarnation of WiFi-blocking paint, a product first introduced in 2007, is infused with an aluminum-iron oxide, which effectively interferes with electromagnetic transmissions of the same frequency as those used in wireless networks.

The first EM-blocking paint was developed by a US company to secure wireless devices used by the government, and it employed an iron oxide, which blocked frequencies of up to 48 GHz. While that made it effective at the time, wireless networks and devices have since evolved to use higher frequencies. In 2009, Japanese researches unveiled findings that paint infused with an aluminum-iron oxide could block signals at frequencies nearly 4 times higher, at 182 GHz ” making it perfect for blocking the signals of today’s wireless devices.

Of course, a wireless network can be protected from most nefarious intentions by using encryption. However, when additional security is warranted, such as protecting a corporate network from airborne hacking attempts, a paint infused with aluminum-oxide makes an excellent additional ” and cost-effective ” precaution. (Iron and aluminum are both abundant, keeping aluminum-iron oxide additives affordable.)

Theoretically, the use of such a paint should also strengthen your WiFi network’s signal within the office, since the EM waves are reflected back inward off the walls. Metal-infused paint will also block cellphone signals, giving rise to such potential uses as keeping unwelcome interruptions out of the movie theatre or restaurant.

And, of course if you cover yourself with it, the aliens will never find you.