Which benefit does fiber optics offer over copper in terms of security?

Fiber optics provide a significant advantage over copper in terms of security due to their immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI). This characteristic arises from the fundamental difference in how data is transmitted through fibers compared to copper cables. Fiber optics transmit information as light signals through glass or plastic fibers, which are inherently unaffected by EMI. This makes fiber optic cables less susceptible to eavesdropping, interference, or signal degradation from nearby electrical devices or power lines that can negatively impact copper cables.

The implication of this immunity is that data sent through fiber optics can maintain its integrity and confidentiality more effectively. In environments where security and data integrity are critical – such as financial institutions, government buildings, or areas with sensitive information – the use of fiber optics can reduce the risk of interception or unauthorized access to data, which is a significant security advantage.