EMP Attack

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a burst of electromagnetic energy. EMPs can occur naturally or intentionally, and result in significant damages.

An example of a naturally occurring EMP is a lightning strike or a solar flare, both of which can be life-threatening. Also naturally occurring are sunspots, which are temporary phenomena on the surface of the sun whose reduced surface temperatures can create flux in magnetic fields. It is believed that sunspots can cause EMPs and have the effect of electromagnetic weapons. The concern about the potential for sunspots to cause EMP attacks has inspired much debate about the need to harden critical systems that might be susceptible to such attacks.

EMPs can also occur intentionally, such as those that could be caused by a nuclear explosion. The results of an EMP attack could be that the emanating rays would immediately fry all electronics in their path. An EMP attack could also be initiated by a nuclear assault.