Can Your Security System Be Jammed Like The Spy Movies?
Most people think that if they have a security system in their home, it will always protect them from burglars. However, what many people don’t know is that security systems can be jammed by electronic devices, which can render them useless.
WHAT IS JAMMING?
Jamming is when someone interferes with the normal operation of a security system. This can be done in a number of ways, such as by disabling the internet connection, cutting the phone line, or using a radio frequency or WiFi jamming device. You may have seen something similar in an action-packed thriller or spy movie, but while security system jamming is a real thing, it's not as common as you may think. That shouldn't mean you can ignore the potential threat, however.
While most professionally integrated security systems are not very vulnerable to jamming, there are some that are. So it is important to be aware of the risks of security system jamming and take steps to protect yourself. In this blog we are going to give you a brief overview of what security system jamming is, how you can prepare for this in case it happens to you, and what you should do if it does happen.
It is important to note that not all security systems are as vulnerable to jamming as others. Jammer technology relies on radio or WiFi frequencies, so systems that use radio signals and those that are wireless are more likely to be jammed than those with hard-wired and land-line phone connections. Another way to jam a security system is to cut the power supply. And finally, someone can simply disable the alarm by smashing the window or opening the door.
This YouTube video shows various jammers in action against an alarm using radio frequency:
PROTECT YOUR SYSTEM FROM JAMMING ATTACKS
If you are concerned that your security system may be vulnerable to jamming, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.
First, make sure that you have a backup plan in place.
Second, choose to have a hard-wired and professionally integrated system rather than a wireless DIY system. Security elements such as video doorbells that are not hardwired are particularly vulnerable to jamming. Here at GenX Security we only integrate the Skybell, which is the most secure hardwired doorbell on the market.
Third, make sure that your security system is properly maintained and tested monthly. Here at GenX Security we highly encourage all of our customers to test their system monthly and give step-by-step instructions on how to do this.
The risks of security system jamming are obvious, but namely jamming can disable your security system, leaving your home vulnerable to burglars. Even worse, you may not even know that your system has been disabled. This leaves your home unprotected and at risk unbeknownst to you.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SYSTEM IS JAMMED
If you discover that your security system is jammed, there are a few things you can do. Your first objective is to try to fix the problem by determining if the system has power is still connected to WiFi. If the problem is still persisting, try to manually arm your security system. This will at least give you some level of protection. Then, immediately contact your home security provider, such as GenX Security Solutions, and your monitoring station and let them know your system is not working and needs troubleshooting immediately.
In short, security system jamming, while not as common as movies may lead you to believe, is a technique used to electronically disable or interfere with your security system which can leave your home vulnerable to unwanted intrusion. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from the risks of security system jamming. First, make sure that you have a backup plan in place in case your security system is disabled. Second, make sure that the security system you choose is professionally integrated and hard wired rather than wireless so you can still manually arm the system to trigger loud alarms upon intrusion even if WiFi is blocked. And third, make sure that your security system is tested monthly. If you follow these tips, you can help protect yourself from the risks of security system jamming.
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