The government is reportedly rushing to take steps to protect the nation’s power grid and other critical infrastructure from possible electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) bomb attacks from North Korea.

An EMP bomb is a non-lethal but highly destructive weapon that disables electrical circuits by radiating a strong electro-magnetic field. When an EMP bomb is detonated, any electrical and electronic device within a certain radius is rendered inoperative, unless it is EMP-protected.

For instance, objects such as mobile phones, computers, cars, TVs, radars, airplanes and satellites stop working. Furthermore, infrastructure for power supply, communications, banking, transportation and water supply are also damaged.

An EMP is generated when a nuclear device explodes. The level of the EMP effect depends on the size and altitude of a nuclear blast. The higher up an explosion occurs, the more pronounced its effects become.

The EMP effect can be maximized when a nuclear explosion takes place in space. This explains why North Korea has sought to launch a rocket into space. A missile with an EMP warhead need not be accurate, as the EMP field covers a wide area.

The North is believed to have developed an EMP bomb. In December, an American expert alleged that the North had developed a super-EMP warhead that could destroy the United States with a single blow.

He argued that any nuclear weapon detonated above an altitude of 30 kilometers would generate an EMP that could cause the collapse of critical infrastructure that sustains the daily lives of American citizens.

It is against this backdrop that the government has started to take measures to guard the nation’s key infrastructure against possible EMP attacks. The move is belated, given the rapid progress the North has made in electronic warfare technology.

Pyongyang recently demonstrated its advanced cyber warfare capabilities by launching a crippling attack against South Korean TV broadcasters and banks.

According to reports, the government plans to make it virtually mandatory for private companies that provide essential services to install EMP protection facilities. This is the right step.

But the problem is that it takes money to build these facilities. To ease their burden, the government needs to accelerate the development of low-cost EMP protection technologies.

Advanced countries are also taking action for EMP defense. They do this not just because of possible EMP attacks from North Korea or terrorist groups but because of the possibility of a natural EMP event resulting from massive solar eruptions. The sun is expected to reach the peak of its 11-year solar weather cycle this year.