Why (and How) You Should Use a Faraday Bag

Last Updated on August 13, 2024

Navigating the challenges of an increasingly digital world has made safeguarding personal information a pressing concern. With electronic hacking threats looming over our smartphones and key fobs, the need for robust security measures is evident. 

And many times, just installing cybersecurity software isn’t enough. Just take the recent cybersecurity software update from CrowdStrike as an example: it disrupted and took down millions of Microsoft Windows devices worldwide. Having a Faraday bag in your possession would help prevent both unwanted updates and would provide an outage-proof tool in your cybersecurity arsenal.

If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful tool crafted to protect your devices from unwanted access, you’ve come to the right place. This article will delve into why utilizing a Faraday bag is a prudent decision not only in the realm of digital security, but also for promoting personal health in our technology-driven lives.

Table of contents:

• What is a Faraday Bag Used For?
• Cybersecurity Reasons
  • Privacy
  • Guarding Against Car Theft
  • Securing Smart Homes
  • Traveling Safely
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Peace of Mind
• Health Benefits
• How to Use a Faraday Bag
• Ultra Armor Technology

What is a Faraday Bag Used For? And Do You Need One?

First and foremost, what is a Faraday bag? Named after the renowned scientist Michael Faraday, these pouches are a specialized enclosure designed to block signals, both incoming and outgoing. 

By isolating the enclosed items from external electromagnetic fields (EMFs), Faraday bags are particularly effective in safeguarding sensitive information stored on devices like smartphones and credit cards. When a device is placed in a Faraday bag, it disconnects all signals, including cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS. 

So, do you need a Faraday Bag? If the following are true, then yes:

• you have private or confidential personal or company information stored on your device (bank accounts, logins, personal information, trade secrets, etc.).
• you travel a lot with your device.
• you store your device in a public workplace or 30 feet or closer to a public place.
• your device (even a credit card) has Bluetooth, WiFi, RFID, NFC, AM/FM, satellite, or cellular connectivity.

With this knowledge, let’s delve into the topic of when to use Faraday bags.

6 Cybersecurity Reasons to Use a Faraday Bag

So, what is a Faraday bag good for? One of the main reasons you may be considering using a Faraday bag is for the cybersecurity benefits. These bags are a simple way to protect yourself in our modern, digital life. 

As technology advances, so do the techniques used by hackers and cybercriminals. Methods include RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication) attacks, and remote relay theft via wireless signals. Any unauthorized access can compromise sensitive, personal data stored on our devices, and these pouches act as a shield against potential threats. 

Keep reading to learn more about Faraday bag uses!

1. Protecting Your Privacy

Smartphones, credit cards, or car key fobs all emit signals that could be intercepted by malicious actors. Once inside the cage that is created by these bags, your personal information remains confidential and secure. 

Devices within Faraday bags cannot be reached by hackers looking to use any radiofrequency hacking methods, and they cannot steal personal details or install malware. 

By putting your phone within a ConcealShield Cell Phone Faraday Bag, individuals can protect themselves from cybercriminals. 

2. Guarding Against Car Theft

Modern car key fobs use wireless signals to communicate with the vehicle. Unfortunately, this convenience also opens the door (no pun intended) to the potential for your car being stolen. Thieves will use wireless relay attacks, using devices called code grabbers. 

As long as they are within 30 feet or so (even if there is a wall in between), they can literally steal the code that your key sends to the car to lock, unlock, and start your car. The code grabber replicates that code, so the criminal can get into your car, steal whatever they want, and drive away.

By placing your keys in a small Faraday bag, you create a barrier that not only prevents car thieves from extending the signal range but also safeguards against the sophisticated techniques of code grabbers. This simple step provides a comprehensive defense against unauthorized access to your car. 

If your key fob is in a Key Fob Faraday Bag, criminals won’t be able to access and tamper with your vehicle.

3. Securing Smart Homes

In addition to preventing car thefts, the Faraday bags also have uses at home. They play a pivotal role in fortifying home security systems. With the rise of smart home technologies, specifically keyless entry systems, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in wireless signals to gain unauthorized access. 

By placing your mobile phone that controls your home security systems inside a Faraday bag, individuals create a formidable barrier. This proactive measure thwarts thieves from intercepting and manipulating these signals, ensuring the integrity of home security.

Faraday bags serve as an essential tool in safeguarding homes, providing an added layer of defense against the ever-evolving techniques employed by cybercriminals.

4. Traveling Safely

Faraday bags emerge as indispensable companions for travelers seeking to improve their security on the go. In an age where personal information is stored in various electronic devices, the risk of unauthorized access and data theft is always looming, especially in crowded areas. 

These pouches provide a practical solution by acting as a protective shield against RFID skimming and other electronic threats. Whether it’s your passport, credit cards, laptop or smartphone, placing these items inside a Faraday bag ensures that they are protected from external risks. 

Incorporating a Faraday bag into your travel essentials not only safeguards your sensitive information but also offers peace of mind, allowing you to explore new destinations with confidence in the security of your digital assets.

Consider incorporating a Duffel Faraday Bag into your travel routine to stay safe on the move. 

5. Emergency Preparedness

In the event of a natural disaster or other emergencies, communication systems may be compromised. Faraday bags can protect your essential electronics from electromagnetic pulses (EMP) or solar flares, ensuring they remain functional when needed most.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a prepper, or someone simply looking to enhance their emergency readiness, incorporating Faraday pouches into your preparedness kit provides a reliable means of preserving electronic devices. And it can help bridge communication gaps in times of crisis.

6. Peace of Mind

Including Faraday bags into your security arsenal offers peace of mind. Knowing that your sensitive information is shielded from potential threats allows you to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. 

Putting your device in a Faraday bag is like putting your phone on Airplane mode, preventing signals from reaching devices inside. Because Faraday bags disconnect all signals, if you don’t want to be tracked, using one of these pouches allows for that. 

Using Faraday Bags for Health Benefits

While the primary purpose of Faraday bags lies in safeguarding personal technology from external threats, there are also potential health reasons to consider their use. In our daily lives, we are exposed to a constant barrage of EMFs emitted by various electronic devices. 

Some individuals are more sensitive to these fields and may experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. By utilizing a Faraday pouch, especially during periods of rest or when not actively using mobile devices, individuals can create a temporary shield against unnecessary exposure to EMFs.

This proactive approach may contribute to reducing the cumulative impact of EMF radiation on personal well-being, offering a practical option for those who are mindful of their health and seeking ways to minimize exposure to EMF radiation.

More research is needed to fully understand the long-term health implications of EMF exposure. Regardless, incorporating Faraday bags into daily routines is a simple precautionary measure if you want to block EMF radiation and limit your potential risk. 

How to Use a Faraday Bag

Alright, but how exactly do you use a Faraday bag? It is easier than you may think. All you have to do is place your phone or device inside the bag, and close it firmly. There should be no gaps between the shielding material, as even a hair’s width of a gap can introduce signal leakage. That is why the construction of a Faraday Bag is so important. The shielding needs to be continuous, even in the seams.

Once inside, your device will immediately lose any signal it had, and all connectivity will be halted. GPS, cellular signals, WiFi, Bluetooth, wireless charging–any incoming or outgoing signal will be effectively blocked. 

You can easily test your Faraday bag to make sure it is effective by calling or pinging your device once it’s secured inside the bag. If the bag works, a call should go straight to voicemail or fail entirely. Congrats, you are officially off the grid!

Unmatched Shielding: The Distinctive Power of Ultra Armor Technology

A Faraday bag is an affordable solution for safety and security. But there are many different bags out there, and you should make sure the ones you are using are effective for your devices. Ultra Armor shielding technology used in Ultra Armor Faraday bags block more radio frequencies than any other Faraday bag on the market. 

Our Ultra Armor Technology is a proprietary Radio Frequency shielding material embedded into Ultra Armor Faraday Bags, ensuring 360° leak-proof signal attenuation. This composite metal material blocks all frequencies up to 90 GHz, distinguishing it from competitors that typically shield only up to 40 GHz. It is the sole shielding technology on the market capable of protecting against high-band 5G millimeter waves.

As communication frequencies evolve, Ultra Armor was engineered enough to block all wireless frequencies from 300 Hz to 90 GHz and beyond. Faraday bags utilizing Ultra Armor create an enclosed space, surrounded by a mesh of conducting materials, redistributing external EMF or RF fields to prevent any frequencies from passing through the material.

When it comes to securing your electronic devices, you can find the right product in our shop. 

Should You Use a Faraday Bag: Frequently Asked Questions