House Paint Foils Wardrivers

Ant writes "Security-minded U.S. decorators' supply outfit, Force Field Wireless, claims to have developed a do-it-yourself solution to the international menace of marauding geek wardrivers: DefendAir paint 'laced with copper and aluminum fibers that form an electromagnetic shield, blocking most radio waves and protecting wireless networks.' According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's report, one coat of the water-based paint 'shields Wi-Fi, WiMax and Bluetooth networks operating at frequencies from 100 megahertz to 2.4 gigahertz", while two or three applications are 'good for networks operating at up to five gigahertz.' However, there are downsides to this." Since it's a water-based paint, exterior use is only recommended for people who want more copper and aluminum in the soil surrounding their house.

Comments

It's Just a Faraday Cage.

[FireballX301]

Like so.

Just some stuff for people too lazy to line their house with tinfoil.

Tin foil hats for houses

[nmb3000]

I can't think this is much of a solution.

Wireless rep Harold Wray admits that "radio waves find leaks", while the company asks users to be aware that the product "must be applied selectively" otherwise it "might hinder the performance of radios, televisions and cell phones".

First they say that "radio waves find leaks". Those dastardly buggers do have a way of doing that. But after warning about possible "leaks" they then suggest you apply the product selectively otherwise you'll have other problems. Gosh, do I buy a pallet or a single bucket?

If you did this, say applying enough paint to block up to 5Ghz, then I think the problems outweigh the positive effects. Your cordless phone wouldn't work from outside anymore. You obviously couldn't use your wireless connection on your lawn. Your FM radio, TV, and possibly your cell phone would work poorly if at all. But not to worry, you're sure that nobody is hax0ring your WiFi network!

That aside, this seems like a worthless "solution". It's like everybody just selling tin-foil hats and not mentioning that the government really doesn't have mind control rays. Why would it be so hard for manufacturers to simply make the product a little more secure out of the box?

I'd guess that if you simply stopped broadcasting your SSID you'd be fine 95% of the time. It really doesn't seem that much to show folks how to change and stop broadcasting the SSID (better yet, have it disabled by default), then how to log onto the network with it.

Re:What about cell phones

[roju]

So now a prereq to be a doctor is to give up one's ability to go out and enjoy a movie? I hope your doctor doesn't read your posts...