Could a thief potentially jam your alarm system

How to stop wifi jammer attacks on home security systems

A recent news story that gained significant attention featured a burglar in Queens, New York, smoothly gliding across the floor while clutching a mysterious device. Speculation surrounding the incident suggested that the device in question was a wifi jammer, skillfully used by the intruder to disrupt the home's wifi network and render the alarm system ineffective, ensuring his stealthy presence remained undetected.

Is this even possible? Yes, yes it is.

So what is a wifi jammer?

Overall, these jamming devices produce a signal that causes disruption on the frequencies used by 3G, 4G, 5G, cordless, and wifi networks. Essentially, they interfere with all of these networks.

The abundance of noise obstructs devices from utilizing the frequencies necessary for their regular operation. This interference also affects emergency networks used by first responders, hence the illegality of such devices. However, these illicit devices are manufactured and distributed through underground channels, and individuals have the ability to construct their own. It is advisable to refrain from searching online for instructions, as it may result in being placed on a watchlist.

A signal blocker device creates its own disruptive noise, which disrupts the frequencies utilized by our devices, thereby rendering them inoperative. This interference extends beyond the intended targets, affecting numerous devices, including those not intentionally targeted by the user.

Considering what you have learned, do you think there is a chance of interference with your phones, alarm sensors, alarm base station, smart locks, and wifi cameras? It is a distinct possibility.

It is natural to have the following question in mind: "Andy, my alarm system has a cellular backup in case the wifi connection fails. Will it still work?" Unfortunately, the answer is negative. The sensors will lose their ability to communicate with the base station due to the interference caused by these jammers. It is important to remember that these jammers not only disrupt wifi signals but also block mobile spectrums, thereby preventing your base station from making calls over wifi or a cellular network.

How To Stop Wifi Jammer and Deauth Attacks

Having identified the types of attacks and their implications, what actions should we take to prevent them? Do you recall my previous recommendation to avoid placing the alarm company branded sign in your yard?

This underscores the importance of not disclosing your home security strategies to prevent criminals from exploiting any weaknesses. It is relatively easy to determine which companies use the 2.4 GHz band.

When buying new smart home devices, prioritize those that are dual-band or operate on the 5 gigahertz frequency. While WPA3 security is touted as a defense against such attacks, its efficacy is uncertain to me as a beginner. Unfortunately, wireless alarm systems remain vulnerable to jammer attacks at present.

Opt for a traditional approach by getting a fully wired home alarm system that operates through a landline connection. Just make sure there are no wireless parts involved for a reliable setup.

Security Cameras With SD Card Storage

Companies like Ring offer cameras that come equipped with local storage capabilities. This means that if there is a disruption in wifi connectivity or cloud storage is not an option, these cameras can rely on their internal storage to save recorded clips. Although you may not receive notifications, you can easily access the footage by examining the SD card within the camera itself.

If you have made a significant investment in a wifi camera system, it is prudent to include a budget-friendly local storage camera as a backup solution for your home. This way, even if you encounter a jammer or deauth attack, you will still have one camera recording footage. Nevertheless, it is important to be mindful that if the attackers notice the camera's presence, they may attempt to destroy it and abscond with it.