get-umbra.com

What It Is

Umbra is a hardware-based cybersecurity and physical security product for sensitive meetings, launched by Paladax SAS, a startup based in Paris, France. It is not a traditional software security tool. Instead, participants place their smartphones and smartwatches into dedicated slots during a meeting, where the system blocks recording and wireless transmission, reducing the risk of eavesdropping and data exfiltration from devices infected with spyware such as Pegasus or Predator, as mentioned in the main text.

Core Capabilities

In terms of protection, Umbra addresses both acoustic and wireless risks. On the acoustic side, it combines passive isolation with active intelligent interference targeting human speech. On the electromagnetic side, it uses EM shielding at the slot and enclosure level to block radio connections from phones and watches. Deployment is straightforward: the unit is placed in a visible location in a meeting room or office, and participants insert their devices into the slots while keeping them within sight. The official website lists 6-slot and 12-slot versions, USB-C power, and EU manufacturing.

Pricing and Compliance

The website does not disclose public pricing, subscription models, maintenance fees, or procurement terms; it only provides a Contact us option. For compliance and certification, the main text does not mention third-party testing, radio shielding test reports, security certifications, or certifications for classified-use scenarios. Before formal procurement, buyers should request test data, supported frequency-band details, and certification materials from the vendor.

Pros and Cons

Its main advantage is a highly focused use case: it addresses the risk of “phones are present but cannot be trusted” in sensitive meetings with a relatively low barrier to use. Compared with collecting all phones centrally, it offers greater transparency and can help build trust among meeting participants. The drawbacks are limited disclosure: there is no information on an admin console, alerts, logs, remote monitoring, or integration with access control or meeting systems. It also only protects devices placed in the slots, and cannot replace meeting-room counter-surveillance checks, personnel controls, or a broader confidentiality regime.

Who It’s For and Access from China

Umbra is suitable for board meetings, M&A negotiations, government and defense-related meetings, executive strategy sessions, and sensitive legal or financial communications. The main text does not disclose information on access from China, payment, or delivery, so these remain unknown. Domestic Chinese users may also compare it with phone shielding cabinets, Faraday bags, electromagnetically shielded meeting rooms, meeting endpoint control, and classified-meeting management solutions. Overall, Umbra appears easy to use, but pricing transparency and certification information are limited; buyers should focus on verifying its protection boundaries before purchase.