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June 12th, 2023

6/12/2023

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The Invisible Shield: How Faraday Bags Empower Private Investigators to Safeguard Evidence

Faraday Bags used by Colorado Private Investigators
The investigators of EXCALIBUR Private Investigation are often called on to gather and take into custody a variety of electronic evidence during an investigation. Knowing how to handle such evidence is crucial and the use of a Faraday bag is a must. Read on to learn how our professional private investigators handle electronic evidence.

A Faraday bag, also known as a Faraday cage or Faraday shield, is a specialized device designed to block electromagnetic fields. It is named after the renowned scientist Michael Faraday, who discovered the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. A Faraday bag provides protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can be caused by various sources such as cell phones, RFID scanners, GPS trackers, and other electronic devices.

The primary purpose of a Faraday bag is to shield sensitive electronic devices from external electromagnetic signals. These signals can potentially interfere with the operation of the devices or compromise their security. Faraday bags are commonly used in a variety of contexts, including law enforcement, cybersecurity, personal privacy, and information security.

The design of a Faraday bag is based on the principles of electromagnetism. It consists of a conductive material, typically a metal mesh or foil, that forms a continuous barrier around the contents of the bag. This conductive layer acts as a shield, preventing electromagnetic waves from passing through and reaching the devices inside. When a device is placed inside a Faraday bag and the bag is sealed, it effectively creates a "closed box" where electromagnetic signals cannot penetrate.

One of the main applications of Faraday bags is in the field of digital forensics. Law enforcement agencies, private investigators and cybersecurity professionals use Faraday bags to securely store and transport electronic devices that may contain valuable evidence or sensitive data. By placing devices such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets inside a Faraday bag, investigators can ensure that the devices remain isolated from external signals, preventing remote access, data theft, or tampering. This is particularly crucial during investigations involving confiscated devices or digital evidence.

In addition to private investigators, Faraday bags have gained popularity among individuals concerned about their privacy and data security. With the proliferation of wireless technologies and the increasing reliance on electronic devices, it has become easier for malicious actors to track, monitor, or hack into personal devices. Faraday bags offer a practical solution for protecting sensitive information, such as credit card data, personal identification numbers (PINs), or location data, from being intercepted or exploited.

Faraday bags also play a role in mitigating the risks associated with electromagnetic pulse (EMP) events. EMPs can be caused by natural phenomena, such as solar flares, or by human-made devices, like nuclear weapons. These powerful bursts of electromagnetic energy can potentially damage or disrupt electronic systems, including communication networks, power grids, and electronic devices. By storing critical electronic equipment in Faraday bags, organizations can minimize the risk of EMP-induced damage and ensure the availability of essential services during and after such events.

It's worth noting that while Faraday bags provide an effective shield against external electromagnetic signals, they also block outgoing signals. This means that devices placed inside a Faraday bag will not be able to send or receive wireless communications, including calls, messages, or internet connectivity. As a result, Faraday bags are typically used for temporary isolation or secure storage purposes and not for continuous device usage.

In conclusion, a Faraday bag is a specialized enclosure designed to block electromagnetic fields and protect electronic devices from external interference or unauthorized access. It offers a practical solution for safeguarding sensitive data, ensuring privacy, and mitigating the risks associated with electromagnetic events. As technology continues to advance and our reliance on electronic devices grows, the importance of Faraday bags in maintaining information security and personal privacy is likely to increase.

If you're working with a private investigator who can't tell you what a Faraday bag is, and does, you need to find a new investigator. The professional private investigators of EXCALIBUR Private Investigation regularly use Faraday bags so that evidence can't be remotely erased or destroyed. If you think your case has technology that needs to be preserved. call us today, fill out our contact form or contact us via the Chat Box to speak to one of our investigators. Don't let a lack of experience, we have over 30+ years, cause your case to be lost due to technological evidence that should have been preserved.

Lee Walters
President - Lead Investigator

EXCALIBUR Private Investigation is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates Program and may earn a small commission on products sold through links in this article.
About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more.
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January 24th, 2023

1/24/2023

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE IN AN UNSAFE WORLD

Keeping Kids Safe in an Unsafe World
Today’s article is going to go over some tips for trying to keep your children safe in a world that is becoming more unsafe with each passing day. Not to be an alarmist, but these common sense ideas can make the difference between tranquility and disaster.
 
  • Make sure your kids are taught to never admit strangers, under any circumstance, into the home whether or not you or another adult family member are home. They should be taught to never open the door to a stranger, even if they look like they are friendly and just may be selling something. Have them go to a door if there’s a knock/ring and ask anyone on the other side what they want or need. They should respond to any conversation with, “My dad is upstairs on a business call, but I’ll make sure he knows you’re out here.” They can then go out of ear range of the front door and call a trusted neighbor to come over and assess the situation if a parent isn’t actually in the home.

  •  Teach your children local emergency phone numbers, primarily 911, and make sure younger children memorize their name, address, and parent's phone number. 

  • Make sure your teenagers truly understand that they should never meet with anyone they do not know, especially someone they met on the Internet. Monitor their online activity if you suspect anything and even if you don’t! Many of parents have been shocked to learn that their straight A student is corresponding with what their child thought was a fellow teenager, but who turned out to be a 45-year-old pedophile. Teach younger members of your family not to open mail or packages.

  • Go over how to answer the telephone with your young children and teach them not to give our information such as their address, whether or not an adult is home, their names, etc. Play-act this with them, as practice is the best teacher at a younger age.

  • Teach your children that it’s okay to say no to strangers, especially adults. Go over the different scenarios that pedophiles use to prey on your kids. Ploys such as “I’m looking for my lost dog” or “Can you help me find my little boy/girl” are two such approaches a pedophile will use. Once again, play-act is the best teacher of this.

  • Have an escape plan should your children need to exit the residence in case of emergency. As I’ve written before, have drills, both during the day and in the middle of the night, so they’ll know exactly what to do should a real emergency ever occur.

  • Make sure your home Wi-fi network is secure. Having a whole house Wi-fi network allows kids to get on the internet from anywhere in the house making it harder to know what they are doing on their computer, mobile telephone or gaming system. Put a rule into affect that all computer use must be done in a common area of the home where you can see what they are doing. Not that you have to stand over their shoulder at all time, but a quick surprise peak can be very revealing. Also, go back and check their history of websites they’ve visited. This is very easy and can be found on any browser in use today.

  • Teach your kids, once they are old enough, the importance of safety when using social networking sites. In my opinion, no kid under the age of 15 has any business being subscribed to ANY social network. I’m sure you’ll hear that all of their friends are on Snapchat or Instagram, but don’t cave to pressure. There will be plenty of time in the future for them to waste countless hours on the internet! When they do reach an appropriate age for social networking interaction, teach them not to use their full names, birthdays or addresses on their profiles. The less personal info the better and caution them about mentioning any vacation plans on their social media sites, posting any identifiable locations, vehicle information, etc. and not to “check in” using some of the popular features of many of the social media apps.

  • Monitor. And I do mean, monitor, your kid’s online game activity such as the type that occurs on platforms such as Xbox Live. These gaming systems allow them to interact with friends from all over the country and, in fact, the world, but they can also expose them to online predators. Many pedophiles have been discovered to use these systems where they masquerade as young teenagers in attempt to gain the trust and confidence of actual children. Once they’ve gained their trust, it’s not long before they are convincing the child to meet in person somewhere.

  • Install software that allows you, the parent, to block access to websites. Google has a free option where you can block keywords in searches and I strongly recommend implementing that on all of your computers. Search is the gateway to finding websites on the internet you’d rather them not find.

  • Implement a family rule that says only a parent can download ANY thing from the internet. Many of the games, music and other software that is out there to tempt an unsuspecting child contains spyware and other types of malware that can infect your entire system and lead to identity fraud and worse.

Let me know if me, or any of the investigators here at EXCALIBUR Private Investigation, can ever be of assistance to you.

Lee Walters
President
352.409.8900; 719.208.4088; 505.208.6400; 803.806.7800

About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more.
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April 12th, 2022

4/12/2022

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HELP. SOMEONE STOLE MY IDENTITY!!!

Identity theft investigated by EXCALIBUR Private Investigation
From 2018 - 2020 there were 1.66 million cases of identity fraud reported to authorities. Who knows how many went unreported because the victim was too ashamed or embarrassed to admit they had been a victim of identity fraud. What can the average person do to keep their identities from being stolen? Here's a couple of ideas that we recommend to clients as well as friends and family:
  • Initiate a freeze on your credit. It's very easy to do and makes it much more of a challenge for a cybercriminal to steal your identity. Each of the three main credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion have information on their main website page that explains how you can place a freeze on your credit. Make sure to place a freeze on your kid's accounts as well as cybercriminals know those accounts are very rarely reviewed by the owners or their parents.

  • Place fraud alerts on your credit accounts. Anyone can place a fraud alert with the three aforementioned credit bureaus. You only have to place the alert with one of the three and then that credit bureau will instruct the other two to do the same. This will require a business to verify your identity before opening a new line of credit in your name.

  • Enroll in two-factor authentication. We know this can be a pain, but it's something you should enable on all your accounts when it's presented as an option. With this option, you'll have to enter your credentials and then follow up with a code, usually, that's texted or emailed to your known telephone number or email address. 

  • Review your accounts closely. Even with all of the above in place, you should monitor your credit reports and account statements closely. Don't just throw those unopened statements in a drawer thinking everything is fine and be sure to review your credit reports at least once a year, I recommend quarterly, to make sure nothing is amiss.

With a little precaution you can help ensure that you don't become a victim of identity theft. If you feel like you may have become a victim of identify theft, please give one of our professional private investigators a call for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

Lee Walters
President
​EXCALIBUR - Private Investigation

About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more.
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February 15th, 2022

2/15/2022

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EQUIPMENT REVIEW: SECURITY CAMERAS

Security Cameras used by EXCALIBUR Private Investigators
As this is the first product we've recommended on any of our blog posts, we just want to point out that any product, such as the Reolink system pictured above, that we write about is a product we have used for some period of time and can honestly recommend. In the case of the Reolink security camera systems, we've used them in our office and home for almost 2 years now and have nothing but great things to say about these security camera systems. They are just packed with so many features. What features you ask? Well these to name a few:

SMOOTH 4K ULTRA HD resolution with real-time 25fps recording. 

ALL-NIGHT COLOR NIGHT VISION which features 4pcs spotlights that provide full-color all night long which is unheard of for a security camera at this price point.

SMART HUMAN/VEHICLE DETECTION that can be set to alert you via email, text, FTP or siren.

TWO-WAY TALK where you can talk from wherever you are through any of the cameras set up in the system. See someone lurking around your garage or back door, you can now yell at them or tell them the police are on the way directly through the camera.

DEDICATED APP where you can log in and view your cameras while also listening to crystal clear sound. We eavesdrop on our office on occasion, don't tell staff, and it's interesting to listen to the interaction between staff and customers.

2-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Reolink provides a two-year warranty and lifetime technical support for their customers and we've found that customer support is excellent.

Having used security cameras for many years, some good and some not so good, I'm truly impressed with how reliable these cameras are. In the two years we've had the two systems in place, we've yet to have any downtime due to system malfunction. In today's society I truly believe that a camera system is a must for any business or residence. Not only do they act as a deterrent, but they can also capture evidence that can be used to help solve crime. Criminals are still not the brightest bulbs in the box, that's why they're criminals, and often forget about the potential of a security camera catching them in the act. The Reolink systems, they offer numerous models, do a great job of doing what they're supposed to do and we can't recommend them enough for that extra peace of mind they provide.


EXCALIBUR Private Investigation is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates Program and may earn a small commission on products sold through links in this article.

About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more.
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February 08th, 2022

2/8/2022

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SECURITY TIP #2: WATCH FOR SMISHING

Security tips on Smishing by EXCALIBUR Private Investigation
Today's security tip involves "smishing". Smishing you say? What's that? Although it may seem like a strange word it's used to describe something very serious. Where "phishing" involves a bad guy sending an email with a malicious link, "smishing" involves send a malicious link via a Short Message Service (SMS) text that we all get numerous times a day. In our case sometimes a hundred or more! 

It all begins when the person receiving the text clicks on the link. According to Aaron Rouse, SAC, Las Vegas FBI, “You'll have a loss of access to your device, sometimes. You'll have afforded somebody access to your device, and you'll possibly lose personally identifiable information. So it's something that we just like we say with email. If you didn't ask for it, don't click on it." Rouse also described a couple of ways "smishing" is being used at this very moment. Individuals receive a text claiming to be from AT&T saying their bill has been paid, followed by a link to claim a prize, or a text claiming to be Netflix telling the target they need to click on the attached link if they want to "keep watching." Both of these give the bad guy control over your phone in most instances. 

Lisa Mesa, a smartphone user who has received numerous "smishing" texts says, “I get pre-approved for certain things, or really weird texts. They actually get kind of personal. They make it sound like they're a friend reaching out to you sometimes too. It says your appointment is ready - click on this link.”

SAC Rouse further states, “They can be anywhere. It really does depend on the scheme that's being perpetrated, and the amount of effort behind it. Sometimes we see very widespread scams. It'll go out and we quickly become aware of it because people will do the right thing, they report it to IC3.gov.”

Reporting to IC3.gov is definitely the first step if you receive one of these "smishing" texts. And it should become a habit to never click on a link you receive in an unexpected text, even if it seems to be legitimate. If you have any doubts at all contact the person who supposedly sent it and see if they actually did. If not, delete it immediately.

If you think you may have become a victim of "smishing" contact one of our professional private investigators in Florida, Colorado, New Mexico or South Carolina who can discuss different options you can pursue.

About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more.
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February 05th, 2022

2/5/2022

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SECURITY TIP #1: REBOOT YOUR PHONE

Security tips from a Private Investigator EXCALIBUR Private Investigation
In a continuing effort to get useful information out to our clients, potential clients and the general public at large, today we're starting our series of Security Tips that everyone should be aware of.

​REBOOT YOUR PHONE EVERY WEEK

According to the National Security Agency's (NSA) "best practices" guide for mobile device security, everyone should reboot (totally shut down your phone and restart it) their phones at least once a week. Neil Ziring, technical director of the NSA's cybersecurity directorate, was quoted in the AP as saying, "This is all about imposing cost on these malicious hackers." While it won't stop a sophisticated hacker, it will make them work harder to maintain access and steal data from your phone. The reason is that the latest malicious software typically targets your phone's root file system. But the newest phones can detect and block such malware during a reboot.

Make it a weekly habit, maybe even set a calendar reminder to do so, to turn your phone off and on.

About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more.
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