While the idea of someone tampering with your security system probably worries you, the good news is that this kind of interference doesn’t occur too frequently. However, with the rise of remote surveillance systems— like thedoorbell camera— it’s crucial to understand how a criminal can disrupt or take over your surveillance system.
Keep reading to learn about signal jamming—what it is, how it works, and what steps you should take to protect yourself.
Signal Jamming
Jamming is a technique used by criminals to interfere with communications systems.
It involves using specialized electronic devices that generate strong signals at the same frequency as those used by wireless networks. As a result, any device connected to that network will be unable to send or receive data, effectively rendering it useless. Criminals can use a signal jamming attack against wireless security cameras, which means you wouldn’t be able to monitor your property remotely.
Since signal jamming is the intentional disruption of wireless signals, it can be used for nefarious purposes like preventing surveillance cameras from recording substantial evidence or keeping people from connecting to their own WIFI networks. Criminals will use jamming devices to block out signals from cameras or other surveillance equipment to commit a crime without being recorded.
Preventing Signal Jamming
Without proper security measures, intruders can easily jam the signal between your camera and router, effectively disabling your camera and compromising your system.
Luckily, there are a few easy steps you can take to protect yourself from this kind of interference:
Use a Strong Password:
A strong password should be at least eight characters long, contain uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your street address.
Enable Encryption:
Encryption is a process that scrambles data so that only authorized devices can read them. Many routers come with encryption disabled by default, so be sure to enable it in your router’s settings.
WPA2 is recommended as the strongest type of encryption currently available.
Change the Default SSID:
The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of your Wi-Fi network. Many routers come with the default SSID set to the manufacturer’s name or something similar. This makes it easy for criminals to target specific types of routers.
To make it more difficult for criminals to target your router, change the default SSID to something unique that only you know.
Use a VPN:
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts the traffic between your device and the VPN server, making it difficult for someone to intercept and read your data. This is especially important if you’re using public Wi-Fi, as it’s easy for criminals to set up fake Wi-Fi networks in public places.
Final Thoughts
No security system is perfect, but there are steps you can take to make it harder for criminals to target your home. By following the tips above— choosing a strong password, encrypting the signal, changing the SSID name, and using a VPN— you can help prevent signal jamming and keep your family safe.
FAQs
Short answer—yes, criminals can jam Wi-Fi camera signals.
Can thieves jam wifi cameras? ›
Tech-savvy thieves are finding new ways to circumvent wireless networked security cameras like Ring and Nest.
Can someone jam my Wi-Fi signal? ›
Wi-Fi jamming devices don't necessarily deactivate devices, but work by overloading the network the devices are connected to. “These (jamming) devices create traffic jams for the radio transmitter so that real traffic cannot get through,” cybersecurity expert Mark Lanterman told the outlet.
Can people block Wi-Fi cameras? ›
No, you cannot directly block a Wi-Fi camera. However, you can potentially disrupt its connection by interfering with the Wi-Fi signal or by disabling the Wi-Fi network it is connected to.
Do security camera jammers work? ›
Using wireless signal jammers, which inhibit and prevent a wireless camera from functioning, is one seemingly risk-free way to compromise a wireless camera. Additionally, they can be used to disable any other wireless devices, including smart locks, doorbells, and even Wi-Fi access points.
What security cameras cannot be jammed? ›
Wired security cameras are less susceptible to jamming compared to wireless cameras. This is because they don't rely on radio frequencies, which are common targets for jamming devices. Wired cameras use physical cables, which are more secure against such attacks than their wireless counterparts.
What interferes with Wi-Fi cameras? ›
Microwave Ovens: The use of microwave ovens near your computer, Wi-Fi router or other wireless devices may cause interference. Cordless Phones: When on a call a cordless phone that operates on a 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency can cause interference for wireless devices and networks.
How do you know if someone is using a signal jammer? ›
The most common symptom of cell phone signal jammer interference is, you guessed it, dropped service. While apps do exist that claim to detect signal jammers, they are largely unproven, and require a working signal to function.
How can I tell if someone is jamming my security camera? ›
You can also use a hidden device detector like this one to scan for any radio frequency signals around your camera. The hidden device detector is a device that can detect Wi-Fi jammers. It has an LED display that shows the signal strength and a sound alarm that beeps more rapidly when the signal is stronger.
How do I stop someone from jamming my security cameras? ›
First, look to integrate some power-over-ethernet cameras into your security mix. As the name implies, this type of camera receives power via ethernet cabling, thereby sending the video feed directly to the source. With no wireless communication, there's no possibility of wireless spoofing.
Without proper security measures, intruders can easily jam the signal between your camera and router, effectively disabling your camera and compromising your system.
Can thieves disable security cameras? ›
If a camera is set up on a digital feed, then a little bit of advanced digital tech knowledge will help a crook shut down a camera before they even enter your property line. Some crooks will invest in what is called a jammer. This will cause the camera to go offline and stop recording for a set duration of time.
Can burglars jam your wireless security system? ›
By emitting a high-energy signal that disrupts Wi-Fi connections, jamming devices disconnect security systems from their networks, leaving luxury primary and secondary residences vulnerable to invasion. In actuality, there are a myriad of ways thieves can exploit WIFI weaknesses to burglarize a home: Signal jamming.
Do criminals use Wi-Fi jammers? ›
Criminals have recognized the potential of WiFi jammers to compromise security systems, disrupt communication networks, and interfere with surveillance devices. The ease of procurement and the relatively low cost of these devices on the black market contribute to their popularity among those seeking to evade detection.
Are thieves using Wi-Fi jammers? ›
The gang places cellular and Wi-Fi jammers around the homes they're targeting. This way, security cameras and phones are useless. A Phoenix police officer told me the gang probably noticed nothing was down in our house. Our home's security cameras and internet are hard-wired.
Are Wi-Fi cameras easily hacked? ›
Wireless cameras are more susceptible to hacking than their wired counterparts. Data transmission through wireless networks provides cybercriminals with opportunities to intercept and manipulate footage and other transmitted data.
