Researchers in the University of Tokyo have come up with a new paint to stop electromagnetic waves on frequencies utilised by wireless networks, in order to help secure wireless networks in sensitive locations.

The paint contains aluminium-iron oxide particles which absorb the signals, meaning no transmissions should find their way in, or out, of a room painted with the substance. At the moment the team is targeting a cost of around £10/kg.

However, this is just another specialisation or improvement on existing electromagnetic shielding paints which have been available for a long time. In the past, these have been designed to combat a variety of signal wavelengths, from radio transmissions to TV and even mobile phones.

Wireless LAN technology currently works in the 100GHz range, which is much higher than the ranges currently catered for with shielding paint. Possible uses in the future could include movie theatres to stop people’s phones going off during a showing, businesses who share sensitive information over wireless networks and medical facilities.

Although it is certainly expensive to redecorate, it could help bolster security in certain businesses, but it has been stressed by security experts that nothing will ever replace or remove the need for adequate encryption and other security protocols. Home users are advised to secure their home networks, especially as more and more users switch to wireless networking technology and store more sensitive information than ever on their home computers.