confidentiality. In the near future, this word may have little meaning or relevance to our daily lives. Some may call this an outdated term.
We often hear about security breaches, Social Security numbers, credit card accounts and conversations that become public. Alexa and Siri are reported to be eavesdropping. And internet-connected washers and dryers give hackers another entry point into our homes.
To further complicate matters, electronic eavesdropping is becoming more common as “spies” steal sensitive information from companies, government agencies, and the military. In the past, this type of eavesdropping was carried out using bugs, cameras and voice recorders attached to a person’s torso.
Today this can be done internally by embedding software into a computer or mobile phone. But it can also be done outside by pointing a laser microphone at a window to capture conference room meetings, cell phone calls, emails and text messages.
As risks to information and physical space increase, installing high-tech window film should be part of a multi-layered approach to developing a comprehensive cyber and physical security plan.
First, let’s lay the groundwork on what window film is and its evolution as a product that improves lifestyle, safety, and cybersecurity efforts.
We all love windows. They fill our homes and offices with light. Most of us enjoy natural light and spacious windows that bring warmth into a room. However, these windows can also make us more vulnerable. Sometimes they let in too much light, causing our HVAC bills to skyrocket. They can become a gateway for thieves. Glass can be used as a weapon because glass fragments can harm passengers if a bomb explodes.
These window panes have also become targets for cyber espionage. Just as poorly sealed windows allow heat and air conditioning to pass through, costing us money, poorly sealed windows can also pose physical and cybersecurity risks. They provide access from the outside and are portals for information leakage.
However, today’s window film is extremely sophisticated, allowing us to modify it to make glass stronger, more efficient, safer, more attractive, and more reliable.
In recent years, the use of multifunctional films has also become part of organizations’ cybersecurity plans. The good news is that there are solutions.
The first step is to recognize that corporate spies use advanced technology in hopes of obtaining information about new products, pharmaceuticals, and other innovations. Foreign governments spy on the Pentagon, the Department of Defense, and other government agencies to gain an advantage in global events. Of course, there are accusations that our elections are being compromised by widespread technological intrusions.
This type of high-tech spying is a far cry from a bygone era when the precaution was simply to move computer monitors away from windows to prevent window cleaners from spying on them. Apply decorative window film to offices and meeting rooms, or install “invisible” film on monitors.
In today’s world of domestic terrorism, physical security has become a top priority, as has protecting businesses and governments from electronic terrorism and espionage. Many places of worship, schools, government buildings and companies have invested heavily in their budgets for multi-layered security plans that include armed guards and surveillance cameras. Security films also become important to slow down intruders and prevent glass shards from harming staff, students and parishioners.
With recent improvements, window film should also be part of your plan to stop this online activity.
We are reminded every day of the physical vulnerability of public spaces. We are also seeing a new level of sophistication in corporate and political espionage. There is competition for information between governments and companies producing new products. This information is treated as currency and a commodity that can be stolen.
It’s not all doom and gloom, as radio frequency (RF) films insulate buildings, preventing signals generated by wireless routers and cell phones from emitting. These films also prevent infrared (IR) light from penetrating the glass and allow dialogue to take place. Devices such as remote and robotic controllers, as well as wireless microphones, headsets and printers, emit infrared signals, providing another entry point for electronic spies.
What these customers have in common, be it government buildings or corporate offices, is that they need security films that have become very versatile, providing protection from RF, infrared, sunlight, security, explosion and tinting.
Fortunately, high-tech measures are keeping up with the times to protect conversations, information and data that are stored, exchanged and created.
Windows in atriums of large buildings, on individual floors and in individual offices can benefit from films that offer these benefits. These films prevent sun damage, monitor HVAC bills, protect people from harm, and provide information only to specific people.
RF and IR films have a number of advantages. In addition to preventing outside spying, they can also isolate a building and prevent RF signals from escaping outside the building or office. This improves Wi-Fi performance because the signal is retained. Leaks are obvious when you walk down the street and see a list of Wi-Fi channels on your phone that require a password to access. Although these channels are not open to the public, the signal is significantly weakened as they leak through unsecured windows and are vulnerable to hacking.
When analyzing a building’s needs, it is important to assemble a team of security consultants who can identify the areas of greatest risk. For example, a kitchen or technical room may be less vulnerable than a conference room or executive office.
Once the areas of greatest risk have been identified, appropriate membranes are installed. As processes evolve, additional requirements often arise. For example, these films may also include thermal imaging capabilities. This will prevent the laser from hitting a potential assassination target standing near the window.
Another popular film allows tenants to change the position of interior windows from opaque to clear with the flick of a switch. These films transform offices and conference rooms from completely visible to private.
Keep in mind that installing these films requires professional installers who understand the product’s performance and understand that minor imperfections can affect performance.
We live in an era where physical and electronic security comes first. The film became an important part of the cybersecurity plan, working with firewalls, antivirus programs and backup systems. They are also combined with other security measures to protect employees and delay the advance of terrorists, giving first responders time to arrive on scene.
Carol Borough is president of CHB Industries. With offices in Hauppauge, New York, the company provides creative security, solar control, decorative window and anti-graffiti film solutions for office/government buildings, houses of worship and homes. For more information, visit www.chbindustries.com.