Securing Critical Infrastructure: The Role of RF Shielding in National Security

From creating SCIF spaces where top-secret information is shared and discussed to enhancing data security measures to safeguarding confidential information, RF shielding technology plays an increasingly important role in national security and preventing unauthorized access, electronic eavesdropping, and even physical breaches.

And such measures are for good reason. After all, if certain information falls into the wrong hands, it could have dire consequences. Its why RF security is being increasingly prioritized in government, law enforcement, data storage and command control facilities.

In this post, we’ll further explain the role that RF shielding technology plays as part of a complete solution to protect sensitive information and critical systems. Read on to learn more or contact Signals Defense today.

RF Shielding Explained

Before we get into specific applications of RF window film and shielding technology, let’s explain how this technology works.

Simply put, RF shielding technologies like window films, paints, caulks, laminates, tapes and other window treatments are designed to combat RF and IR signals and combat electronic eavesdropping. In today’s office environment, electronic devices like phones, computers, recorders, microphones, and internet routers emit frequencies. In many cases, these frequencies can extend beyond the walls of their building or environment and be intercepted by a third party. If signals are intercepted, there’s the potential for these third parties to infiltrate systems and access highly confidential data.

RF window films and other shielding technologies are designed to attenuate signals from emanating beyond the building, thereby decreasing the risk of electronic eavesdropping. While RF technologies are often installed on exterior-facing walls and windows, they can also be used to create SCIFs (sensitive compartmented information facilities) within buildings.

How RF Shielding Helps Protect Critical Infrastructure

RF shielding technology helps protect critical infrastructure and preserve national security by shielding from unauthorized access via electronic eavesdropping. One of the key goals of RF shielding technology is to reduce frequencies to the point where they’re unable to be picked up by anyone who isn’t supposed to be accessing them, thereby providing greater peace of mind to professionals that they can work with a minimal risk of a breach.

In SCIFs, shielding prevents data and conversations from extending beyond the room. In data centers, shielding safeguards equipment and systems from interference and eavesdropping to preserve infrastructure. In government buildings and command and control centers, such technology helps prevent confidential information from getting into the wrong hands.

RF/IR Window Films and Other Attenuating Technologies from Signals Defense

There are various window films and other RF/IR attenuating technologies to select from when outfitting your facility. Some of the most popular options include:

SD2500/ SD2510: A clear, surface-applied film, such solutions offer exceptional anti-eavesdropping and Technical Surveillance Counter-Measure security. The SD2500 is 2 mil thick, while the SD2510 is 10 mil thick and offers a safety film layer for glass fragmentation control and blast control protection.
SD1000/SD1010: This series is like the aforementioned 2500/2510 line, except with lower RF/IR attenuation compared to the 2500/2510.
SD500: In addition to RF/IR attenuation, this 2-mil-thick RF/IR film also offers 70 percent visual light transmission, meaning there’s minimal impact on the overall aesthetic of a building.

Contact Signals Defense today for spec sheets and more information on each type of film.

Other RF/IR attenuating technologies from Signals Defense include foils, paints, papers, tapes and caulks. Certain window treatments can also help contain RF/IR signals.

Contact Signals Defense Today

Window shielding technology from Signals Defense is purpose-built to meet the most stringent U.S. intelligence community security requirements and is ideally installed in venues that regularly handle classified information. Our films meet TEMPEST requirements for directive ICD 705 and the Department of Defense’s Infrared and Radio Frequency Emanation Protection Standards. Signals Defense window film and other technologies have been successfully installed in more than 3,000 locations across the nation and represent part of a complete security solution.

Contact Signals Defense for more information on the role RF shielding plays in protecting national security and critical infrastructure and to explore solutions today.