We are going to flip the script in today’s blog post. Instead of explaining to you how you can protect your home from an intruder, we are going to explain to you how an intruder might break into your home. How better to understand the mind of a burglar then to understand how they operate? This article might surprise you. It might scare you. But what we genuinely hope it provides you with an eye-opening look into why a home security system is so important to protecting your valuables and loved ones.
Can You Jam a Wireless Home Security System?
Well, unfortunately, yes you can. The fact is, home security is a bit of a chess game, and you want your system to be a few moves ahead of the bad guys. Yet, one of the main questions people have when investing in a home security system is whether it is vulnerable to intrusion or not. There is always a worry that a burglar might be able to shut your system down or even prevent it from alerting the authorities. That fear is amplified in a wireless setup.
Although you use battery-powered sensors with a wireless home security system, might they still be susceptible to jamming? The answer is yes. And while the odds of such an attack on your home are low, they are not impossible. Jamming devices are nothing new and they are certainly not unique to home security systems. Any device that operates via a wireless signal is open to a jamming frequency. Of course, jamming a wireless radio requires knowledge of the frequency it uses, but security devices are required by law to list the frequencies they operate on. This means all a thief needs is an internet connection and Google to find out what frequency your home security system uses.
But how would they find out that information? Simple. Do you have a yard sign? Do you have a sticker in your window? Still, worry not. At that point you are talking about a highly-sophisticated and directed attack, rather than a forced-entry intrusion, which makes up the majority of break-ins. Yet, if you live in an expensive home, drive an expensive car, or even look at someone the wrong way, these days you may be at risk.
How You Can Prevent Jamming
It is easier to find and acquire a jamming device for some frequencies and not others. Many common radio devices operate at a specific frequency. This means it is far easier for burglars to find jamming devices for specific devices. Fortunately, you can fight back. But what, exactly, can you do?
Wireless security providers often take steps to help prevent jamming. Some will use specific algorithms that can separate RF interference from a targeted jamming attack. If the system detects it is being jammed, it can send an alert to your phone or to the security provider themselves. There are other methods to prevent jamming, but as you add those services, the cost of such security systems rises.