Protecting Against an EMP Attack: What You Need to Know

Electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) are rapid, invisible, and often unpredictable bursts of energy that can be generated by a nuclear detonation, powerful natural solar events, or EMP bombs. These pulses can cause permanent or temporary power loss, and can even fry equipment beyond repair. With the increasing risk of EMP attacks and solar flares, safeguarding electronic devices from this harmful phenomenon is more important than ever. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect against an EMP attack.

Aluminum foil is actually quite an effective material for protection against EMPs. Although the image of the “aluminum hat” may seem strange, a roll of aluminum foil can be very useful for transporting small electronic devices from one place to another in an EMP situation. Solar panels are one of the few electronic devices that will survive an EMP attack without additional protection. Placing compact or foldable solar panels in a Faraday cage or surrounding them with conductive material can help prevent damage caused by electromagnetics and ensure that the panels remain operational after an electromagnetic event. Large Faraday cages, or Faraday rooms, are enclosures specifically designed to store and use electronic devices during an ongoing EMP attack.

Governments and companies are also investing in EMP simulation and testing facilities to better understand the effects of EMPs and develop strategies to protect against them. In addition to the development of technologies to protect against PMS, many countries are also working to create response and recovery plans for PMS. Although you may not be able to personally prevent an EMP attack, there are many things you can do to prepare your home and yourself for potential damage, inconvenience, and dangers. We recommend this resource from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which comprehensively explains what you can do to prepare for an electromagnetic attack. By taking the necessary steps to protect your home and electronic devices from an EMP attack, you can make sure that you are ready for any potential electromagnetic event. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can safeguard yourself from the potentially devastating effects of an EMP attack.