Electromagnetic Terrorism a Real Danger

Electromagnetic Terrorism is an outgrowth of the more familiar discipline: Electromagnetic Compatibility. In this case, however, the terrorists produce the offending currents or radiation intentionally. Accidental radiation can cause severe and inopportune damage to electronics, so certainly those fields can also be intentionally impressed on vulnerable equipment. A number of recent public statements and testimony have described potential dangers. This paper cites some of the more recent statements and uses those statements to describe the potential threat. It is not yet clear how easily or effectively such a potential weapon can be used, but it is clear that the electromagnetic compatibility community must be prepared to deal with the threat when it emerges.