Modern electrical systems are increasingly challenged by "dirty electricity" — a blend of disruptive harmonics, transients, and electromagnetic emissions. This phenomenon not only degrades energy quality and accelerates equipment wear but also creates inadvertent channels for data leakage.
Key findings from recent studies reveal a hidden challenge: dirty electricity results from non-linear loads and electronic devices that distort the clean, fundamental waveform of power. These disturbances degrade signal integrity and can serve as conduits for sensitive data, potentially exposing critical information.
The Hidden Risk
Harmonics and transients can encapsulate data from digital operations. Advanced techniques have demonstrated that attackers can decode these emissions — even bypassing traditional Faraday shielding.
The Problem
Understanding Dirty Electricity
Dirty electricity arises when electronic devices and non-linear loads disrupt the smooth, sinusoidal waveform of the power supply. Characterized by harmonics (multiples of the base frequency) and irregular transients (sudden voltage spikes), it creates multiple problems:
Key Effects
Increased electromagnetic noise that interferes with telecommunications and sensitive circuits
Accelerated degradation of equipment through vibrations, overheating, and material fatigue
Potential data vulnerability, as distorted signals might inadvertently encode and transmit sensitive information
Sources
Common Contributors
These devices and systems contribute to dirty electricity in homes and offices.
IT Equipment
Computers, servers, and printers with switching power supplies
LED Lighting
Energy-efficient lighting with electronic ballasts
HVAC Systems
Air conditioners and refrigerators during power cycles
Power Converters
Chargers, inverters, and variable frequency drives
The Vulnerability
TEMPEST & Data Leakage
TEMPEST, a set of standards originally designed to protect sensitive environments, studies the unintentional electromagnetic emissions that may carry data. This isn't theoretical — it's the basis of military and government security protocols.
Data encapsulation: Harmonics and transients can unintentionally encapsulate data from routine digital operations, including CPU activity. Even air-gapped systems are vulnerable.
Known Attack Techniques
ODINI
Extracts data via low-frequency magnetic signals from CPU
MAGNETO
Uses magnetic field variations to exfiltrate data
PowerHammer
Leaks data through power line emissions
AirHopper
Uses FM signals from display cables
Defense Strategy
Turning Vulnerabilities into Strengths
To mitigate these risks, integrated defensive measures are essential. SPIRO provides a physical-layer defense that complements traditional cybersecurity approaches.
Specialized Low-Pass Filters
Attenuate higher-order harmonics by over 99%, reducing unwanted signals and improving overall signal quality.
- First layer of defense against data leakage
- Block potential electromagnetic channels
- Improve power quality and equipment lifespan
SPIRO Nanocomposite Materials
With a unique molecular structure, SPIRO absorbs and alters electromagnetic energy, disrupting the artificial polarization that enables data encapsulation.
- Enhance conventional electromagnetic shielding
- Disrupt polarization-based data encoding
- Integrate with coatings or composite shields
Broader Impact
Beyond Cybersecurity
Security Risk
Dirty electricity creates covert channels that could enable data leakage, even from systems thought to be secure, as shown by advanced modulation techniques like ODINI and MAGNETO.
Health Concerns
Prolonged exposure to artificially modulated electromagnetic fields — sometimes referred to as Artificial Quantum Noise (AQN) — may lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruptions in sleep patterns.
Secure Your Infrastructure
Discover how SPIRO can add a physical layer of defense to your security posture. Contact us for a consultation or explore our professional services.
