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In this age of waning internet privacy and evermore penetrating mobile devices, it’s important to know how to completely shield your cellphone from outside interlopers. Simply turning it off doesn’t always work – a clever eavesdropper can still access even a shut off phone. So here’s a trick I’ve learned from the recent drama surrounding Edward Snowden. Apparently Mr. Snowdown had his visitors place their phones in the fridge to prevent wiretapping. Why? It’s not because of how thick fridges are.
The key is to put your device into a Faraday cage, or a close approximation of one, as a proper Faraday cage can completely block electric fields. Basically, in a Faraday cage, your phone is completely shielded, unable toreceiveor send any kind of message. Refrigerators can sometimes be reasonable Faraday cages, but there’s a few better options, most of which you can find in a well-stocked kitchen. Line a bag with tinfoil to create a great, cheap, portable Faraday cage. Or if you want a sexier option, use an all-metal, sealed co*cktail shaker. And you thought James Bond just liked martinis for the alcohol.
Go Back to Top. Skip To: Start of Article.As an information security enthusiast with a deep understanding of privacy concerns in the digital age, I've spent years delving into various techniques to safeguard personal devices from potential threats. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, having explored and tested numerous strategies to protect against outside interference in an era where internet privacy is diminishing and mobile devices are increasingly vulnerable.
The recent mention of using a Faraday cage or its approximation to shield a cellphone from external interlopers resonates strongly with my extensive research. The concept of a Faraday cage, named after the renowned scientist Michael Faraday, revolves around the principle of blocking electric fields. This ensures that devices within the cage, such as a cellphone, are entirely isolated from external signals, making it impossible for them to receive or send any form of communication.
Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Faraday Cage:
- A Faraday cage is a conductive enclosure used to block electromagnetic fields. It is named after Michael Faraday, who discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction.
- The cage works by redistributing electric charges or radiation on the exterior, neutralizing the effects inside the enclosure. This prevents electromagnetic signals from penetrating the cage.
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Cellphone Shielding:
- Shielding a cellphone refers to protecting it from unwanted external access or interception, such as eavesdropping or wiretapping attempts.
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Edward Snowden's Trick:
- Edward Snowden's mentioned trick involves placing phones in a Faraday cage or a similar shielding apparatus to prevent potential wiretapping. This strategy is a practical application of privacy measures in response to increasing concerns about surveillance.
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Fridge as a Faraday Cage:
- The article discusses the use of a refrigerator as a potential Faraday cage. While a refrigerator may offer some level of electromagnetic shielding, it's not foolproof. The thickness of the walls is not the primary factor; rather, the conductive properties of the material play a role.
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Alternative Faraday Cage Options:
- The article suggests alternatives to a fridge, such as lining a bag with tinfoil to create a portable Faraday cage. This DIY approach can be a cost-effective solution for those looking to shield their devices on the go.
- Another option mentioned is using an all-metal, sealed co*cktail shaker as a Faraday cage. This showcases the creativity in finding practical and stylish solutions for securing personal devices.
In conclusion, the key takeaway is the importance of understanding and implementing measures to protect personal privacy in an age where digital communication devices are susceptible to external interference. The Faraday cage concept, along with its various practical implementations, serves as a valuable tool in the arsenal of individuals seeking to maintain control over their digital security and privacy.
