Security cameras are crucial for monitoring our properties and detecting any suspicious activity. When working properly, these security systems can bring peace of mind knowing you and your family are safe. However, criminals can get their hands on signal jammers, making detecting them harder for homeowners.
A WiFi security camera can be jammed using a signal jammer that causes interference with the wireless signal. The jamming device uses a stronger signal that overpowers the frequency of your wireless security camera system. You should install a wired security camera system to prevent your CCTV from being jammed.
While jamming your security cameras is always possible, it isn’t that simple if you know the right preventative measures. If you are wondering, “can security cameras be jammed?” this article will cover how signal jamming works, how criminals use it, and how to stop someone from doing it to your property.
What’s The Purpose Of Jamming a Security Camera?
As criminals become more technical in their approaches, signal jammers are becoming more popular. A jammer will disrupt the video footage on CCTV and make it impossible for someone to monitor their property. With no video footage, the identification process becomes harder for police departments with no evidence of their crime.
Any equipment that operates through a WiFi connection is suspectable of being jammed during operation. The signal from the security camera to a home’s router can be easily overpowered with a simple jamming tool. This equipment is one of the ways that a burglar will counteract someone who has security cameras on their property.
While jammers are illegal, a criminal can still find a device in online stores for different purposes. According to the Federal Communications Commission, “The use of a phone jammer, GPS blocker, or other signal jamming device designed to intentionally block, jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications is a violation of federal law.”
How Do Criminals Jam WiFi Security Cameras?
Once a burglar acquires a signal jammer, the process is simple for jamming a security camera or cell phone. A portable jammer gives criminals free reign to walk around neighborhoods looking for their next victim. The equipment causes interference with all network equipment in your home, leaving you in the dark.
Along with security cameras, a signal-jamming device can block the following technology:
- Cell-Phone Communication: All your call, text, and internet browsing functionality will be suppressed.
- GPS Tracking: Location data and GPS tracking signals will disappear when a jammer is in the area.
- WiFi Signal: Any wireless network connection will not work when the jammer is nearby the modem.
It doesn’t matter how advanced your cell phone or security camera system is–a signal jammer will block its wireless frequencies. The complete interference with network connections is a frightening experience, as you cannot call for help or send location data to emergency services. Having a backup plan is crucial for situations you may encounter.
If you are unfamiliar with what a signal jammer looks like, it is a small tool that can be easily stored in someone’s pocket. When a criminal wants to block frequencies on your property, they will activate the jammer. The jammer will overpower all wireless signals within seconds with a stronger frequency.
We recommend hiring a local alarm monitoring company for homeowners wanting wireless security cameras on their property. While a third-party monitors your property, they can detect unusual activity on your property. The surveillance company will alert the local authorities, even if you have no cellular signal within your home.
Are Using Jammers Illegal in the United States?
Using, selling, or advertising jammers is illegal in the United States. While illegal, we can’t expect criminals to play by the rules. You should prepare for someone to use a signal jammer when looking to enter your home and steal your belongings. Additionally, you should always alert the police if you suspect someone owns a signal jammer.
A neighbor could use a signal jammer to disable your home security system and affect your ability to contact the police. Having a jammed cell network poses a serious risk to your safety and should not be taken lightly. You should ensure your network system is always working to monitor suspicious behavior.
How to Prevent a Burglar From Jamming Your Security Cameras
Generally, the best way to prevent WiFi jamming of your security cameras is by utilizing a wired camera. The jammers can’t interfere with the system without a radio frequency or WiFi signal. Fortunately, you can install numerous high-quality wired security cameras on your property.
While these security systems require more setup than a wireless camera, they won’t be affected if someone owns jammers. You can receive reliable monitoring of your property and save vital footage that could lead to the arrest of a burglar. A wired security camera will have local storage that can’t be disabled with hacking.
However, different methods can still block a wired security camera system. Many burglars will seek out the cable leading to a security camera and rip it out of the system. While jamming a wireless camera is easier, a determined burglar won’t be intimidated by a wired security camera system.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you suspect your wireless security cameras are jammed, you should check your phone signal quickly. When multiple signals are blocked, there is a high possibility that your wireless signal is jammed. This signal interference will affect video footage and cellular capabilities on your property.
Numerous factors can affect the functionality of your security cameras that doesn’t include it being jammed or hacked. If you don’t notice these signs, you may miss out on proper security surveillance of your house. The most common problems are damaged wireless cameras, poor security lighting, broken power supply, and loose wire connections.
A VPN will not prevent someone from jamming your security cameras or accessing your wireless cameras. You need a wired recording device for your home to prevent a jammed system. The wired device will not be affected if someone uses a signal jammer nearby to disable wireless systems.
Conclusion
Criminals use signal jammers to cause security cameras to malfunction and not provide proper video footage. If you want to outsmart criminals, you should choose to install a wired home security system. The wired cameras will not be affected by the overpowering frequencies of the jamming device.