| In the last 5 years there has been a significant | | | | often containing a great deal of glass – over |
| increase in the popularity of wireless (Wi-Fi) | | | | 70% in some cases. This obviously increases the |
| networks. People can now access the Internet in | | | | likelihood of a wireless security breach, but |
| the most unlikely of places: in bars, on the street | | | | ultimately the level of shielding is dependent on |
| or even in public parks. This increase in Wi-Fi | | | | the building structure itself. |
| usage has also been seen in many businesses, | | | | However, a development in the form of reflective |
| where employees regularly access the Internet | | | | Window Film can reduce leakage and help avert |
| away from their desks. But whilst the rise in | | | | eavesdropping from potential hackers. It can also |
| popularity of wireless networks has brought with | | | | reduce the “signal signature”, helping |
| it many advantages, they continue to pose a | | | | networks to hide more effectively from scanners. |
| number of significant security risks. | | | | If it is more difficult for a hacker to locate your |
| Additionally, with the widespread use of mobile | | | | wireless network, it will be much harder for him |
| phones, the airwaves are becoming increasingly | | | | or her to compromise your security. |
| congested. More powerful frequencies are being | | | | Whilst it is difficult to completely contain a wireless |
| used and problems caused by E.M.I | | | | signal, the application of Window Film can assist in |
| (Electro-Magnetic Interference) are becoming all | | | | reducing the external threat. A less conspicuous |
| the more prevalent. | | | | signal equates to a lower security risk. And since |
| Due to negligence and naivety, many users of | | | | transparent window film also allows light to pass |
| Wi-Fi fail to adequately encrypt their networks. As | | | | through naturally, passers by will be non the wiser. |
| a consequence, security breaches are very | | | | This can have tremendous benefits especially if |
| common as hackers can easily identify an | | | | the user handles sensitive information or operates |
| insecure target and then exploit its weakness. | | | | a number of different signal devices. |
| And although some security breaches may be | | | | Anti-Spy Window Film comprises aluminium and |
| relatively minor (i.e. an outsider using the wireless | | | | titanium sputter coated polyester in several |
| Internet connection to browse the Web), some | | | | layers, including a scratch resistant protective |
| breaches may be severe, leading to credit card | | | | coating. When tested in accordance with ASTM D |
| fraud or even corporate espionage! | | | | 4935, the “Standard Test Method for |
| The popularity of ‘War Driving’ - a term | | | | Measuring the Electromagnetic Shielding |
| for locating vulnerable wireless hotspots whilst | | | | Effectiveness of Planar Materials”, these films |
| driving a vehicle and using laptops - only | | | | attain a 90-99% effectiveness score. It is |
| exacerbates the situation. But the problem is not | | | | important to remember that performance levels |
| limited to wireless Internet access. As more | | | | are severely affected by ‘edge gaps’ and |
| people turn to mobile communication devices, we | | | | so the best figures are achieved by combining the |
| see an increasing number of Bluetooth intrusions, | | | | film installation with a metal secondary frame to |
| particularly by hackers and scammers, wishing to | | | | cover these areas. This will ensure that signal |
| prey on insecure mobile phones. The fact is: if a | | | | leakage is kept to an absolute minimum. |
| device omits a signal to carry data to another | | | | In summary, if your business premises contain a |
| location, those with sufficient knowledge can | | | | large amount of glass (and if you regularly use |
| potentially target it. | | | | wireless devices), it may prove worthwhile to |
| Although Wi-Fi signals have the ability to transmit | | | | invest in Window Film. With a wide range of |
| through walls, the greatest amount of leakage | | | | Window Films available, including those for safety, |
| occurs through windows. In buildings with a | | | | security, privacy and solar control, a solution can |
| significant amount of glass, this leakage can be | | | | be found to even the most challenging of |
| quite considerable, with modern developments | | | | problems. |