Influence of HPM on IT-systems
conference paper
High power microwave (HPM) devices are capable of producing peak power up to 40 GW. The ongoing
miniaturisation and availability of these HPM devices enables the adverse use of these systems to upset,
disrupt or damage electronic systems. This poses a serious threat to the integrity and availability of the
attacked systems and organisations relying upon them. Since this threat and defence opportunity has been
realised, a lot of effort has been put into the research of HPM and its effects on electronic systems. Also,
extensive research is conducted into the weaponization of HPM to disable enemy communications or
weaponry. At TNO-FEL, the emphasis is laid on the defensive opportunities of HPM and devising strategies
to defend against adverse use of HPM. In this report we focus our attention to small scale terrorist activities
and subsequently to IT-systems which are used in office buildings. The most likely situation which could
occur, is a small vehicle (van or small truck) passing by an office building. Behind the plastic sides an HPM
system with antenna is located. In order to be able to assess the threat imposed by HPM, a generic office
building is assumed composed of two rows of rooms on each side separated by central aisle. Combining the
attenuation data with immunity levels leads to estimates of the HPM power capable of surpassing these
immunity levels. Sources capable of delivering sufficient power are commercially available, even to
untrustworthy parties.
miniaturisation and availability of these HPM devices enables the adverse use of these systems to upset,
disrupt or damage electronic systems. This poses a serious threat to the integrity and availability of the
attacked systems and organisations relying upon them. Since this threat and defence opportunity has been
realised, a lot of effort has been put into the research of HPM and its effects on electronic systems. Also,
extensive research is conducted into the weaponization of HPM to disable enemy communications or
weaponry. At TNO-FEL, the emphasis is laid on the defensive opportunities of HPM and devising strategies
to defend against adverse use of HPM. In this report we focus our attention to small scale terrorist activities
and subsequently to IT-systems which are used in office buildings. The most likely situation which could
occur, is a small vehicle (van or small truck) passing by an office building. Behind the plastic sides an HPM
system with antenna is located. In order to be able to assess the threat imposed by HPM, a generic office
building is assumed composed of two rows of rooms on each side separated by central aisle. Combining the
attenuation data with immunity levels leads to estimates of the HPM power capable of surpassing these
immunity levels. Sources capable of delivering sufficient power are commercially available, even to
untrustworthy parties.
Topics
TNO Identifier
95069
Publisher
Seminar Club de Berne
Source title
Security services in the information society - Assets, cyberattacks and encryption, 12-14 May 1998, The Hague, The Netherlands
Place of publication
Berne
Files
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