The Wndsn Blog

Gear we Like

Here at Wndsn we have been kicking around for a long time an idea of showcasing gear we like. This idea has picked up considerable steam since the advent of the Wndsn Expedition Team Telegram. Members are frequently sharing their favorite pieces of gear and it has become a valuable resource for crowd sourced information from people who actually use the products on a daily basis. We are not sure what format this feature will take in the future but we are bringing it here first.

Have a beloved item that is crucial to your kit that you think the world needs to know? Submit your review to info@wndsn.com, subject line: Gear we Like, following the format linked here.

Gear we Like: Faraday Bags for Phones

2021-07-27

Reviewed by Wndsn staff, Germany.

Observations

Faraday cages are not something one thinks of when it comes to mobile digital security. Faraday cages are usually thought of as blocky frames with mesh, or the way one’s car or the plane one is flying in acts like a big Faraday cage. Big, bulky, and necessary but ultimately boring, we think of Faraday cages as something that protects one’s body from static electric fields and certain types of egregious electromagnetic radiation that can otherwise damage or outright kill you.

Science is great and what was once used to encase a full sized human can now be found in a little pouch, and thus has applicability in your quest for enhanced digital security. In comes the Mission Darkness Non-Window Faraday Bag for Phones.

We have earlier spoken about NFC tags. These tags are readable. Your passport has a NFC chip, so do your credit cards, and anything you use to contact-pay.

If you are paranoid about people reading out your RFID/NFC data in your personal items, or are concerned that your phone is being accessed, or if you are carrying a number of cards or chips with other data that you absolutely do not want to be read, a protective solution is required.

What is the actual threat to your data? The actual threat for someone to read out your NFC enabled passport, while theoretically and practically possible, is not an actual clear and present danger. In reality, someone has to be very physically close to you, and that is unlikely to happen without your permission. Sometimes (try it, always test and confirm) carrying your passport in a thick, multi-layer leather wallet already creates enough distance to shield it from being read.

Now for your phone, it is good practice while out in public to disable WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth. If you want absolute assurance that your phone cannot call home, be tracked or traced, then the Faraday bag is essential.

If you are traveling and want to protect your data, this is a good item to have. If you are in the military or police forensics, or work in an industry where you are responsible for preserving company intellectual property, a Faraday bag is an absolute must.

Strengths

The Mission Darkness Faraday Bag is made out of a durable ballistic nylon outer material that is water-resistant (but not waterproof; this is not a dry bag). Inside, where the magic happens, is two layers of high-shielding TitanRF Faraday fabric that blocks WiFi, Bluetooth, cell signals including 5G networks, GPS, RFID, NFC, and radio signals with 90dB average attenuation from low MHz all the way up to 40GHz.

Additional aspects:

• EMI, EMR, and EMF radiation shielding
• Each bag is serialized for asset tracking and evidence chain of custody
• Two small outer pockets for identification
• Roll twice and close with the Velcro
• Large enough to carry any size cell phone, and a few cards and chips

Limitations

The double roll Velcro is bulky and if not well closed and well placed in a bag or case, could open up if jostled. If this is a concern, go up a size to the Mission Darkness Neolock Non-Window Faraday Bag for Tablets or the Mission Darkness Molle Faraday Pouch. They have several waterproof options, but for a small size and in traveling scenarios it is probably easier just to drop it into a dry bag.

Conclusion

When digital security meets a good bag, we here at Wndsn Labs are all in. Sturdy, capable, durable, and most importantly does the job we think it deserves a place in your travel kit.

Specs

• Manufacturer: MOS Equipment
• Manufacturer's Website: https://mosequipment.com/products/mission-darkness-small-non-window-faraday-bag
• Price: $23
• Weight: 136 grams
• Size: External, 9.75" x 9.5" x .1", Internal, 9.5" x 5.5"
• Material: Outer materials - ballistic nylon. Inner materials - TitanRF Faraday fabric.
• Package includes: Just the bag.