Lifeboat Foundation CommPreserver
By the Lifeboat Foundation Scientific Advisory Board. This is an ongoing program so you may submit suggestions to [email protected].
An EMP attack would devastate communications.
Overview
CommPreserver explores new communication technology for surviving existential events. Areas that this program will cover are:
- EMP – Hardening computer/comm assets (shielding) and low-vulnerability electronics (using tubes instead of semiconductors).
- Redundant systems including amateur radio communications run by volunteer organizations such as ARES.
- Solar power electrical generation including solar power from space.
Let us know what other areas should be covered!
An EMP attack would cause massive damage to electronic devices.
An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack is a burst of electromagnetic energy that can disable or destroy electronic devices over a large area. It can be caused by a high-altitude nuclear detonation or other high-tech conventional weapons, and can severely disrupt or damage the power grid, communications, transportation, and other critical infrastructure. The effects on the human body are not direct, but the societal impact can be severe due to the loss of modern services.
Without a nationwide voice and data telecommunications system, the banking industry would be forced to fundamentally restructure and change the way banks do business. They would have to rely on paper transactions and may not have access to computer databases of deposits and withdrawals.
Other public infrastructure like oil and gas, transportation, food, and water distribution also would be severely affected. The core reason for this would be EMP damage or destruction to electronic devices called supervisory control and data acquisition systems, otherwise known as SCADA.