Alum Gives Cyber-Blocking Gifts

Christmas came early for area law enforcement agencies who received Mission Darkness Faraday bags, tents, and lockers that block radio waves, including cell phone signals. Westmont alumnus Ryan Judy (‘08), MOS Equipment founder, hosted the second annual giveaway luncheon December 11^th for dozens of members of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Maria Police Department, Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office and the San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations. 

“These products block signals for mobile devices under investigation, seized from criminals, transported, brought to an office and then subsequently investigated. And you all do that,” Judy said. 

He pointed out that earlier in the day on national news, investigators reported the suspected killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson had used a Faraday bag to avoid cell phone detection as he fled New York. “If anybody didn’t know about Faraday bags, a lot of people now are finding out,” he said.

At the event, two agencies walked away with Faraday tents, valued at $25,000, that allow investigators to move more freely in a protected area. “You can investigate mobile devices, have them sitting under password-cracking operation extractions, and not worry that signals are going through and corrupting the evidence,” he said. 

Judy described the CyberCylent Faraday Tent with a vestibule doorway he was giving away, which allows investigators to go in and out, closing one door while opening the other, while blocking cell signals. “It’s like a spaceship air lock. It’s pretty cool,” he said. 

Judy thanked the agencies, saying he appreciated the feedback he received from the devices he gave away last year. 

“We like to do this,” Judy said. “It’s an opportunity for us to spread holiday cheer and give away products to our local agencies that support our safety and our security. Thank you all for doing that. That means everything to us.”