Many remember the Cold War era, when companies like ETS-Lindgren built RF-shielded enclosures to protect sensitive government communications. These steel-clad shelters, equipped with specialized filters and shielding, were designed to block radio frequency (RF) signals and prevent eavesdropping or data leakage.
After the Cold War, the demand for such protection declined. But today, RF threats have returned—more complex, more widespread, and more relevant to everyday life. The modern battlefield includes not just nations, but rogue actors, terrorist groups, and even natural forces. And the weapon of choice? Electromagnetic energy.
Understanding the threats: IEMI and HEMP
Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI) is a growing concern. It involves the deliberate use of RF energy to disrupt or disable electronics. Targets can include ATMs, drones, GPS systems, air traffic control towers, and even satellites. As vehicles become more connected and autonomous, their onboard systems are also vulnerable to IEMI attacks—especially in military or high-security contexts.
Another major threat is High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP), which involves a burst of high-power RF energy released from a nuclear detonation high above the Earth. This type of event can affect electronics and power infrastructure across entire regions, causing widespread outages and data loss.
Even nature contributes to the risk. Severe solar weather events can damage power grids, communications, and data centers, disrupting services and threatening critical infrastructure such as hospitals, financial institutions, and emergency response systems.
Protecting critical infrastructure
In response, governments and industries are ramping up efforts to protect vital systems. Companies like ETS-Lindgren, with decades of experience in RF shielding, are leading the charge. They offer advanced solutions to mitigate the effects of this harmful electromagnetic radiation including high-performance filters for power, signal, and control lines, as well as RF-shielded racks, cabinets, and enclosures. These are used in utilities, data centers, and secure facilities such as SCIFs (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities).
International standards bodies, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), have developed rigorous testing protocols and performance benchmarks for these protective technologies. These standards help ensure that solutions are both effective and reliable in real-world scenarios.
Why it matters to everyone
These threats aren’t just theoretical—they have real implications for everyday users of consumer electronics. A targeted RF attack or a severe solar storm could disable your devices, disrupt communications, or erase critical data. As our world becomes more connected, the risks grow—and so does the need for protection.
Fortunately, public and private sectors are working together to address these challenges. With Cold War-era expertise and modern innovation, companies are developing cost-effective, scalable solutions to safeguard our digital lives.
For those interested in learning more, the IEEE Xplore digital library offers a wealth of research on intentional electromagnetic interference and high-altitude electromagnetic pulse, including technical papers and expert testimony presented to government bodies.
This article was written by Sergio Longoria, Product Line Technical Manager, RF Filters, at ETS-Lindgren in Cedar Park, Texas, USA.