External signals within the radio frequency range can disrupt communications or damage sensitive components. They can even cause cybersecurity issues, compromising data transmissions. Since this interference is incredibly common, RF shielding is vital for IoT security.
What Is Radio Frequency Shielding?
Electromagnetic interference happens when electromagnetic signals impede normal operation. Radio frequency interference is a specific type of EMI that occurs when the interfering waves fall within the 3 kilohertz to 300 gigahertz RF range. These unwanted signals can disrupt or damage electronic tools.
The pulses can come from cell phones, lighting, power lines, electric motors and other electrical technologies. Natural sources of RFI include lightning strikes, static electricity and solar flares, so it isn’t just limited to dense, technology-filled urban areas.
Shielding reduces or blocks the signals within the RF spectrum, preventing disruption. This technique involves enclosing components and wiring within barriers made with conductive or magnetic materials, including copper, antistatic cloth, nickel and specialized alloys. The electromagnetic pulses attenuate or dissipate as they pass through.
Using RF Shielding to Secure IoT Devices
RFI can cause signal loss, corruption and communication issues. If an internet-enabled tool can’t get a data packet through, it will reattempt doing so repeatedly, accelerating component wear and draining the battery. This is a problem for medical implantables and industrial sensors — things that need to keep usage to a minimum to stay operational for years at a time.
RF Shielding safeguards equipment from disruption or damage. In addition to blocking disruptive external signals, it considerably increases device performance in unique operating environment, making it essential in industries like manufacturing and health care. It is critical in ensuring safe, reliable data transfers within wireless systems.
The Importance of Protecting IoT from RFI
Intentional RFI — also known as signal jamming — is worse than typical interference. Its effects range from slow data transmissions to complete service loss. Another way bad actors can intentionally misuse these impulses is through a proximity-based RF replay attack. They capture and replay signals to trigger unwanted actions or gain unauthorized access.
Wireless radio waves carry data. If cybercriminals know how to access, intercept or capture those signals, they can steal sensitive information. They can even take control of IoT tools remotely, which is a massive security issue.
Since the IoT is so expansive, signal jamming and replay attacks are relatively easy. The more devices there are, the larger the attack surface is, meaning the easier it is for a bad actor to slip in unnoticed. It doesn’t help that internet-enabled tools often have poor cybersecurity standards and well-known vulnerabilities.
Tips for Implementing RF Shielding for IoT
Statista estimates the IoT will be 39.6 billion devices strong by 2033 — up from 15.9 billion in 2023. This marks a 149% increase in just one decade. As it expands, cybersecurity becomes increasingly important. Device manufacturers and owners should take RF shielding seriously to prevent unwanted behaviors, stolen data packets or catastrophic equipment failure.
- Assess Electronic Devices
Since internet-enabled devices are interconnected, a single compromised node can bring down an entire network. Individuals should inventory every node operating in their radio airspace and catalog every tool that uses Wi-Fi, cellular, or Bluetooth signals. This way, they can identify potential sources of interference, preventing disruption and improving security.
- Select the Right Material
How well RF shielding reduces interference depends on the design and characteristics of the material. Metal panels and copper tape work best because they’re highly conductive. Some are corrosion-resistant and malleable, making them more durable and easier to work with.
Surprisingly, tinted glass works almost as well as metal. Although it was designed to make homes more energy-efficient, it inadvertently blocks electromagnetic impulses. However, it isn’t nearly as durable.
- Construct a Faraday Cage
People don’t necessarily have to enclose internet-enabled electronics within device-sized RF shields. Instead, they can cover the entire room with metal, turning it into a Faraday cage that stops electromagnetic fields. This approach is beneficial because it offers blanket security within a facility, but it can interfere with personal devices and may block emergency calls.
- Consider RF Window Film
An RF window film restricts signals to a specific secure space within a person’s home, reducing the risk of data theft, eavesdropping and replay attacks. It may not be as safe as building a Faraday cage with metal siding and roofing materials, but it is an easy, affordable solution.
IoT Devices Must Have RF Shielding
RF shielding is fundamental to IoT security. Whether someone uses copper tape, window film or metal siding is up to personal preference and security needs. Securing the network with materials that block electromagnetic impulses is what matters.
As the Features Editor at ReHack, Zac Amos writes about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other tech topics. He is a frequent contributor to Brilliance Security Magazine.
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