# Internet Signal-Blocking Decor The Wi-Fi-Protecting Wallpaper Blocks Hackers and Piggy-Backers By Meghan Young | Published 2012-05-12 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wi-fi-protecting-wallpaper References: [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2012/05/anti-wi-fi-wall.php) & [linformaticien](http://www.linformaticien.com/actualites/id/24723/un-papier-peint-pour-proteger-son-wi-fi.aspx) Conspiracy theorists will rejoice when word reaches them of the wi-fi-protecting wallpaper. Just as it sounds, it is a wallpaper that protects people's wireless internet signals against potential hackers and piggy-backers. Developed by researchers at the Polytechnic Institute Grenoble Institute of Technology, the wi-fi-protecting wallpaper has a special pattern of silver crystals that have been arranged to block certain [wireless frequencies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slnt-faraday-phone-sleeve). Shaped like snowflakes, this pattern provides a barrier that ensures [cyber protection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sophisticated-cybersecurity-protocols). The only catch is that for this wallpaper to work, it will also have to cover ceilings and floors. Not to mention that it won't work in windowed rooms, although a transparent, ultra-thin version is currently being developed. The wi-fi-protecting wallpaper will be available in 2013 and cost about the same as mid-range traditional wallpaper. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/internet) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Internet Signal-blocking Decor:** Decor and home improvement companies can invest in developing signal-blocking wallpaper and other decor products that provide cybersecurity features for consumers at home. - **Enhanced Cybersecurity Products:** Technology and cybersecurity companies can focus on developing innovative products that provide enhanced cybersecurity features to secure people's wireless internet signals against potential hackers and piggy-backers. - **Smart Wallpaper:** Companies can invest in developing smart wallpaper technology that not only protects wireless signals but can also monitor energy usage and control other smart home devices. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Home Decor:** Companies that specialize in home decor and wallpaper products can create unique, attractive designs for signal-blocking wallpaper and expand their product offerings to appeal to tech-savvy consumers. - **Technology:** Technology companies can develop new materials and innovative manufacturing processes to create affordable and efficient signal-blocking wallpaper and other cybersecurity products. - **Cybersecurity:** Cybersecurity firms can develop new technologies and services that protect people's wireless internet signals against potential hackers and piggy-backers, including signal-blocking wallpaper and other smart home products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wall-Breaching Drone Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wifi-device-1.md) - [Electromagnetic Shielding Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ohmni.md) - [Low-Profile Connectivity-Blocking Backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slnt-incognito-faraday-backpack.md) - [Radio Wave-Balancing Stickers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omnia-radiation-balancer-stickers.md) - [Protective Silver-Infused Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shielding-jacket.md) - [Security-Enhancing Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cirotta-case.md) - [Wifi-Manipulating Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deauther-watch-v4.md) - [Digital Security Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aries-x-proton-vpn-blanket.md) - [Anti-Connectivity Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slnt-faraday-phone-sleeve.md)