Securing Smart Buildings Against IR Eavesdropping
While the introduction of the IoT (internet of things) has helped the world move forward into a new high-tech era, it’s not without its threats. As devices have become more advanced, new threats emerge – and one of the biggest threats in the office environment is one that many probably don’t even see coming.
We’re talking about electronic eavesdropping, or the practice of intercepting device signals to infiltrate systems and swipe confidential information. Just think of it as a modern-day version of wiretapping, except instead of monitoring phone conversations, people are intercepting IR and RF signals that emanate from the likes of computers, internet routers, smartphones, recorders, and other advanced electronics.
Electronic eavesdropping is a real threat these days – and it could have far-reaching consequences ranging from stolen intellectual property and business secrets to lost trust in the public because of failure to properly safeguard your property.
So, while the smart, connected building can help streamline productivity, conserve energy and help facilitate more efficient overall operations, don’t overlook the potential threats that may be associated with smart devices. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how to secure smart buildings against electronic eavesdropping. Read on to learn more:
Practical Tips and Best Practices for Securing Systems and Devices against IR eavesdropping
In many cases, electronic eavesdropping involves an individual or group of individuals not associated with your business working to intercept signals, “listening” outside your office at a nearby location. Noting this, it’s important to take the proper security measures to prevent eavesdropping from occurring. Here’s a look at some practical measures to take to further safeguard your facility.
Install Window Films to Mitigate RF/IR Signals
One of the best IR countermeasures is to install RF and IR-blocking window films on all the external-facing windows of your property. These films work to keep any RF/IR signals confined to your property and prevent them from extending beyond the walls of your office building. Signals Defense offers specialty window films that work to effectively offer RF and IR protection and remain optically clear, so a room’s aesthetics are not impacted. What’s more, window films are easy to install and remove and many come with other benefits, such as blast protection and spall control, and solar emissions reduction.
In addition to window films, Signals Defense also offers shielding paint, foil and other building materials that help serve as effective eavesdropping countermeasures for a facility.
Establish SCIF Rooms
In some cases, some insiders may be leaking confidential information to competitors or other government entities. If there’s a worry about such incidents, it could be worth it to establish a SCIF room. SCIF stands for “sensitive compartmented information facility,” and typically exists as enclosed rooms within a building where sensitive information is either processed or discussed. Many of the same eavesdropping countermeasures can be incorporated into these SCIF spaces (i.e., films, paints, foils, etc.).
Regularly Train Your Office’s Employees
Last but not least, perhaps one of the most overlooked measures for safeguarding any firm’s devices, systems and secure information is to ensure that your employees are properly trained in best practices. Make this program a part of your employee onboarding program and ensure that workers receive continuous education at regular intervals throughout the year. The people who work for any firm are arguably the most important asset you have in safeguarding intellectual property and confidential information. Make sure you’re investing in their training as much as you’re investing in the tools and materials.
Contact Signals Defense Today
For more information on IR countermeasures to keep your office safe, contact Signals Defense today. With the rise of smart buildings, it’s imperative to take all the necessary eavesdropping countermeasures to keep your devices and systems safe from outside threats. Contact us today to learn more.