ELECTRONIC SPY ANTIDOTE 

Several years ago I wrote about research in England on "Spy Glass", a new window glass designed to prevent outsiders from learning what is going on inside. Since many 12-year olds can eavesdrop on computers by picking up signals emitted by electron sweep beams criss-crossing video screens, it was becoming embarrassing to bank managers when kids knew as much about their largest loans as they did. Now Pilkington Glass, riding on an electronic white horse, has come up with the answer -- Datastop.

Although governments generally are oblivious to the process, it has been possible to detect such signals miles from the source without physically penetrating any property. Computer radiated radio signals also reveal information to the initiated. Now a defense against some of these activities. They may even work for a few months.

Most home and office windows are transparent to white, infra-red, ultra-violet light, gamma rays or data signals. Political and industrial spies and terrorists using off-the-shelf "kiddy" equipment can intercept confidential data through such window panes. I've spoken to provincial government cabinet members in rooms that were public billboards to people who know how to read them.

Datastop glass blocks electromagnetic radiation (EMR) "broadcast" by both picture-tube displays and/or microcircuits. Such shielding is similar to that provided by a Faraday "cage", a metal-enclosed room that protects people inside from outside EMR emission.

Pilkington coats its glass with a metallic film via an electrochemical process that provides signal attenuation up to 55 decibels. The film, which reduces light entry by about 50 percent, appears as a "tint". This tint acts as thermal insulation to reduce glare and solar heating. Besides protecting corporate secrets, these windows also reduce air-conditioning bills by keeping out half of the heat that normally enters your buildings along with sunlight.

Datastop windows are double-glazed and protected against EMR emissions by conducting gaskets around an aluminum frame grounded to a metal screening tied into room walls. Besides guarding confidential information, you might as well, while in the process, also keep outside rays, radar, etc., from entering the building and zapping equipment or staff.

Computer operations don't have to be changed at all. Only building windows are changed to protect the executive jobs. "Secrets" previously leaking through the windows, now bounce harmlessly around the room. None slip outside. Outside signals that previously entered the office now also "bounce" back -- outside before they enter. Depending on how much security you place around such critical equipment, this could be cheaper. Pilkington sales may pass their recent peak of C$4 billion as industrial espionage in a highly globalized world becomes more prevalent.

More information: Pilkington Glass Ltd., Prescot Road, Helens, WA10 3TT, England or Dr. M.S. Davies, Pilkington Technology Centre, Hall Lane, Lathom, Nr. Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 5UF, England. Phone: 0695/50000. Fax: 0695-54507.

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