The Badge Archive

Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Senior Cybersecurity Safeguards badge requirements.

Info Needed for the badge requirements: A Faraday cage is a metal enclosure that blocks electromagnetic signals by redirecting the charges so they can’t reach devices inside. This means devices inside can’t send or receive information. Faraday cages can shield any electronic device and protect against things like hackers, lightning strikes, and digital eavesdropping. Items like microwaves, elevators, metal trash cans, and tin cookie canisters can act as Faraday cages. Entire rooms made of metal can also work as Faraday cages, stopping recordings or transmissions. If you’re worried about eavesdropping in a room that isn’t a Faraday cage, you can put phones in a microwave to block signals.

Items Needed

• Two cell phones (one to go inside the Faraday cage, one to call it).
• For each group of 3–4 scouts:
  • Metal mesh (e.g., aluminum or copper screen used for window repairs).
  • A cardboard box or plastic container (large enough to hold a phone).
  • Tape or zip ties to secure the mesh.

Instructions

1. Challenge scouts to create a small Faraday cage for a cell phone using the container and metal mesh.
2. Divide scouts into groups of 3–4. Give each group a container, the metal mesh, and tape or zip ties.
3. Take your cardboard box or plastic container and ensure it’s clean and ready for use.
4. Carefully cover the outside of the box with the metal mesh. Use tape or zip ties to secure it tightly, ensuring there are no gaps.
5. If possible, make a lid for the box by wrapping another piece of mesh over the opening. Leave a way to insert or remove the phone easily.
6. Place a phone inside and call it from another phone. If the mesh covers the box completely without gaps, the signal should be blocked.
   • Ensure the mesh is tightly connected and overlaps at edges to stop electromagnetic waves from entering.