Article in Logistic NEWS 1-2/2024 | Author: Markéta Vojáčková
When you hear the words interception of communication or data theft, you’d probably think of an action film, or in real life, maybe of public administration or law enforcement authorities. However, in today’s world, where cyber risks are on the rise following the advances in technology, this has become quite common also in the world of business. Data theft can cost a company a lot of money or cause some undesired complications. Dyn Lock s.r.o. focuses specifically on customer protection by developing and offering so-called defensive technologies. We asked Luďek Vokál, CEO of Dyn Lock s.r.o., to tell us more about this somewhat unusual topic.
Could you start by explaining what defensive technologies are?
Simply put, defensive technologies are technologies that prevent any third party from making any recording or intercepting any communication. Most people for sure can imagine what such technologies might be used for in public administration or law enforcement. However, these technologies are often implemented also in boardrooms, corporate offices, law firms, courthouses, and other facilities.
But privacy is only one function. The pinnacle of defensive technologies in RF radiation is glass. Yes, you heard right, clear transparent glass that can stop radio frequency signals propagation. This is where we see the future not only in terms of protection, but especially in the elimination of EM pollution.
Tell us about your beginnings: why did you decide to start a company that develops and manufactures defensive technologies?
These technologies used to operate on the white-noise basis. That was a very outdated technology from the 1970s-1980s But together with the progress in technologies, a matrix removing the white noise was developed, making it possible to record clean sounds. And so, we started thinking about developing something to use in place of the white noise, something that would be impossible to remove.
In 2015 I established two companies Dyn Lock s.r.o. and Dyn Tedes s.r.o. (last year they both merged), which focused on the highly sensitive, yet very promising, area of customer protection in terms of security. The goal was to better protect clients with defensive technologies and thus successfully eliminate any recording devices.
We partnered with a number of global agencies in the US, Europe and e.g. Israel to develop and apply defensive technologies. The launch of our products was preceded by several years of research and in 2016 we managed to market the first generation of defensive products in the Czech Republic. We have introduced the eight generation of the technology and so currently the total of eight types of defensive technology-based devices are available.
We supply our technologies worldwide. Perhaps the company’s greatest success is the ultrasonic stationary security solution we provided for the government and the president in two destinations abroad.
Where can defensive technologies be applied?
Dyn Lock and Dyn Tedes products have a variety of possible applications. The company offers stationary or mobile security solutions as part of the original security concept. Currently the company provides customized equipment to be fitted anywhere from meeting rooms, offices, private homes or public administration facilities. Our technology can protect the client against eavesdropping of calls, but also against unwanted in-app recordings, interception of encrypted communications, and it also gives control over mobile devices with the option to download an application that blocks recording of any communication or makes it impossible to identify the specific place where the communication is happening.
These technologies ensure so called audio jamming. We provide both mobile and stationary solutions. We even offer those “tiny boxes” where you can lock up your phone and thus make sure you are not being recorded.
And then there is the special glass that I have already mentioned. The glass protects data, sensitive information and ICT infrastructure of companies, public institutions, law enforcement authorities and ensures the security of critical infrastructure. It is a physical firewall in a way, another security layer in the overall cybersecurity landscape. This innovative solution can also protect sensitive diagnostic equipment or highly automated operations from unintentional or deliberate electromagnetic interference. However, it has also another important function, namely, it protects mental and physical health or the general wellbeing, acting as a shield against EM smog for people exposed to its effects.
How and where did the idea to develop this special glass come up?
The works on developing WAVETRAP, the specialty glass, first started roughly 2.5 years ago. It was developed as a team effort by Czech, Belgian and Japanese scientists from AGC, a company that builds on its deep expertise in the development and manufacturing of antenna systems, electronics and materials used in these areas. AGC has been working on them since the 1970s and now it applies its experience in new applications through its startup project, WAVE by AGC. They managed to develop glass that is impossible to distinguish from conventional glass, but which offers an excellent EM wave blocking functionality. Moreover, despite this enhancement, the glass can still be combined with other glass products, especially safety glass or privacy glass products. These include e.g. bulletproof, anti-burglary and fire-resistant glass.
Why should you opt for specialty glass products?
Whether you are working or chilling, it is always very important to have good access to natural light inside. Here glass is unparalleled, and its use goes well beyond this crucial function. As our lifestyles and work habits evolve, so do the demands for additional glazing functions. There is a whole spectrum of those, which apart from such evergreens as thermal insulation, noise protection or various levels of security and safety glazing against physical risks, also include current, brand new and unique innovation that will ensure cybersecurity and safety of digital infrastructure. The selective electromagnetic shielding means that now glass can block the propagation of communication and other electromagnetic waves. Whether it’s reducing the risk of hacks in the wireless communication systems, increasing the resilience of vulnerable systems to electromagnetic interference or providing a premium quality indoor environment with low levels of EMF exposure, the applications of this brand new glass are plentiful.
How does this specialty glass, WAVETRAP, work?
The glass provides selective electromagnetic shielding thanks to the so called transparent shielded coating on the glass, very often combined with the integrated shielding fabric. Both these technologies are very discreet design-wise, so the glass preserves its natural look, transparency and clarity. Some solutions may be used in many applications, others are specialized to block a very specific type of radio waves. Apart from standard solutions, tailored designs to customer specifications are possible wherever the functional requirements are subject to a special application regime.
How does the indoor connectivity work (phones, the Internet) under such conditions? Is it somehow compromised?
It is a very common question that has in fact a very simple answer. Some types of WAVETRAP glass can let in certain types of signals while blocking those that matter. This is what we mean by selective shielding. In some cases, however, it is necessary to block these communication signals as well, and so the connectivity within the shielded area is ensured by an autonomous, specially designed DAS or WIFI communication circuit.
Is it enough to replace existing windowpanes with WAVETRAP glass to achieve perfect digital silence, or do you need to get brand new windows?
The optimal application of this glass requires a metal frame and proper shielding solution on other relevant sections of the building, such as walls, floor or ceiling. Good news however is that these non-transparent elements can be shielded with solutions that are readily and long available. The missing and weak link has always been the transparent inserts in doors, windows, lightweight envelopes or interior partitions. WAVETRAP is an absolute gamechanger here, bringing completely new options to the table.
What are the main benefits of WAVETRAP?
In addition to the brand-new ability to block EM waves, which is second to none, its great advantage is that it can be combined with other glass functionalities, without compromising on the aesthetics of glass as a decorative and naturally beautiful material. Thanks to the technological competence of the AGC Group this new glass is manufactured in large sizes, unique to date, so that you can have selective shielding glass of up to six meters in size. The new range of glass in manufactured in the EU, with the Czech Republic playing the key role here. WAVETRAP specialty glass is delivered worldwide.
In case of WAVETRAP, are you eligible for the same subsidies as when you change your glazing for IGUs?
The new functionality of this glass has no adverse effect on its other properties, which not only was a tough nut to crack for the R&D before the launch but was also a very clear objective and requirement. So, if the subsidy is offered for energy-saving glazing and cladding solutions, for example, all you need is to select the right solution from the WAVETRAP range.
Interested in a glazing solution against eavesdropping? Get in touch with us today and experience WAVETRAP, our transparent electromagnetic wave shielding glass.