A resonator is a structure or component that stores and amplifies energy at one or more specific frequencies. When it is driven near its natural frequency, small inputs can produce large vibrations, pressure changes, or electrical responses. Common examples include acoustic cavities, mechanical springs, and electrical LC circuits.
In cyber security, resonators matter because many systems are sensitive to frequency-specific effects. Attackers may exploit resonance to disturb sensors, microphones, MEMS devices, or other hardware with targeted sound or vibration. Defenders use the same principle in the opposite direction: they test for resonant weak points, add damping or shielding, and validate devices across the full operating envelope. A design that works in a quiet lab can fail if vibration, temperature, or mounting conditions shift its resonant behavior.