Image via victoria.ac.nz
In this age of waning internet privacy and evermore penetrating mobile devices, it’s important to know how to completely shield your cellphone from outside interlopers. Simply turning it off doesn’t always work – a clever eavesdropper can still access even a shut off phone. So here’s a trick I’ve learned from the recent drama surrounding Edward Snowden. Apparently Mr. Snowdown had his visitors place their phones in the fridge to prevent wiretapping. Why? It’s not because of how thick fridges are.
The key is to put your device into a Faraday cage, or a close approximation of one, as a proper Faraday cage can completely block electric fields. Basically, in a Faraday cage, your phone is completely shielded, unable toreceiveor send any kind of message. Refrigerators can sometimes be reasonable Faraday cages, but there’s a few better options, most of which you can find in a well-stocked kitchen. Line a bag with tinfoil to create a great, cheap, portable Faraday cage. Or if you want a sexier option, use an all-metal, sealed co*cktail shaker. And you thought James Bond just liked martinis for the alcohol.
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