March 31, 2007: Keeping secrets is becoming more difficult as electronic, and especially wireless, devices grow in popularity. A solution of sorts has arrived in the form of a paint containing tiny metal fragments. Apply a coat of this paint to a room, or the inside of a truck body or cargo container used for intelligence work, and electronic data does not get out. Fabric, incorporating the same signal blocking material, is also available, so you can seal a tent from electronic leaks.

In places like Iraq and Afghanistan, where intelligence and headquarters operations are often in buildings, the EM-SEC (named after the manufacturer) paint helps secrets from getting out. The paint also blocks cell phone signals, making it attractive for meeting rooms and barracks (where one incoming cell phone call can wake up a whole bunch of people.)