Anti-wi-fi paint offers security {maybe} (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

DIGITAL PLANET
By Dave Lee
BBC World Service

Researchers say they have created a special kind of paint which can block out wireless signals.

It means security-conscious wireless users could block their neighbours from being able to access their home network - without having to set up encryption.

The paint contains an aluminium-iron oxide which resonates at the same frequency as wi-fi - or other radio waves - meaning the airborne data is absorbed and blocked.

By coating an entire room, signals can't get in and, crucially, can't get out.

Developed at the University of Tokyo, the paint could cost as little as £10 per kilogram, researchers say.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8279549.stm

[asdjrocky]

1. And twenty years from now we'll discover

the fumes from the paint turns us into zombies.

Of course, that would be pretty cool.

[BlueJazz]

2. Oh Christ...just set up encryption...big fucking deal...takes 15 seconds.

Duh...let me see...Should I paint my whole room or spend 15 seconds encrypting my wireless router ??

Decisions...Decisions... :)

[On the Road]

4. Don't Paint Your Whole Room!

Your network will stop working when you walk to the next room.

You have to paint only the outside walls. :P

[bananas]

5. But then you can't use your laptop outside in the back yard. nt

[LynneSin]

9. Great, so I can't use my wireless on my porch or backyard anymore

I think I'd rather just spend 15 minutes of my life and setup the encryption

[lumberjack_jeff]

10. One checkbox in the setup will prevent 99.9% of freeloaders.

"publish SSID?"

Encryption is locking the door. Publishing the SSID is placing an open house sign in the front yard. It's a literal invitation.

[cliffordu]

3. I find my tinfoil hat achieves the same effect.

[armyowalgreens]

6. It probably blocks all sorts of important waves from getting into your home.

Radio, Cell Phone, 3G.

[comtec]

7. whic his perfect for the paranoid "waves cause brain cancer" types (nt)

[LynneSin]

8. So.... my options are this.....

Paint my entire house with a chemical that could feasibly be determined to cause some nasty illness down the line or
Get off my lazy ass and spend 15 setting up encryption on my wireless

:eyes: