Wireless Security Vulnerabilities: Jamming Risks Explained

Key things to know:

• Wireless Security Systems: Explore the convenience and potential vulnerabilities of using smart devices and Wi-Fi networks for home security.
• Benefits vs. Challenges: Understand the advantages of wireless systems for homeowners and the technical challenges they may face, including jamming attacks.
• Industry Responses: Discover how the security industry is advancing with encrypted sensors and frequency hopping to counteract hacking attempts.
• Mitigation Strategies: Learn about practical measures to protect your home from jamming attacks and enhance your security system's resilience.

Protecting a living space with the use of smart devices utilising Wi-Fi networks is immensely convenient, but while such a setup can defend against the dumbest criminals, those with a technical background may be able to bypass all such security systems. What benefits do wireless systems present to homeowners when installing security systems, what challenges do they face, and how can jamming attacks be mitigated against?

What benefits do wireless systems present to homeowners?

Anyone who remembers the time of scart leads, ariel sockets, and VGA cables will understand the pain that a cabled world brought with it. Long, heavy leads hanging out the back of TVs were unsightly, and it would often restrict where hardware could be located. In cases where a cable broke, trying to find a replacement lead could be difficult (especially when using proprietary cable technologies). 

In fact, it would often be the case that many would have a draw full of spare cables, along with various power leads with different voltage and current capabilities. Can this power lead be used with my device? Is this the right USB lead? Why does this connector not fit into my TV? All of these questions were extremely commonplace, making life just a little more difficult.

But when wireless devices started to hit the market, it didn’t take long for the masses to ditch cables in favour of wireless options. Even in cases where cables were still needed, the standardisation of cables such as HDMI meant that any image-generating device could be connected to any display device with ease, whether it’s a TV, monitor, or even a car reversing camera. 

The Transformative Impact of Wireless Technology on Home Aesthetics and Device Placement

The introduction of wireless devices not only reduced the number of unsightly cables crawling around the floor, but it also allowed for devices to be located just about anywhere in a home. Of course, the first wireless devices, such as speakers, still required power sockets, but these are often plentiful in homes, and the use of small power adaptors allowed for discrete installations.

However, it was the introduction of long-life batteries that really opened up the world of wireless tech to new possibilities. For example, traditional security cameras have always required at least a permanent power connection and, in many cases, an additional LAN connection, which both complicates the installation and restricts where they can be placed. However, the introduction of lithium batteries and Wi-Fi can allow such equipment to be mounted anywhere while lasting for extended periods of time. 

Removing wires also improves security, especially when LAN is concerned. Most ethernet networks are unsecured by default, meaning that anyone who gets access to a router's port or cable can simply connect to the network. 

Advancements in Wireless Security Technologies

In response to concerns over security vulnerabilities, the industry has made significant strides in enhancing the robustness of wireless systems. Kirk MacDowell, president of MacGuard Security Advisors, notes that advancements such as 128-bit encrypted sensors and frequency hopping are becoming standard. These technologies make jamming and hacking attempts far less feasible, showcasing the industry's commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of wireless home security systems.

While these networks can be made secure, it is by no means a trivial task to do, resulting the vast majority of home LANs being unsecure. However, in the case for Wi-Fi, as credentials are required to access the network, there is no physical attack point. Of course, the strength of the network depends on the type of password used, but considering that most modern routers use reasonably strong passwords, they are not trivial to hack.

Overall, wireless networks not only provide massive connivence, but allow for homes to be transformed into smart spaces, allowing for technology in all its forms to be fully integrated. 

How wireless networks could be the Achilles heel in home security

There is no doubt that wireless networks and battery-operated hardware make installations convenient; in my own house, I have three internal wireless and battery-operated cameras, along with two doorbell cameras (back and front door) that both utilise Wi-Fi and internal batteries. Furthermore, the combination of gigabit internet along with decent mesh networking routers allows for all devices to receive exceptionally strong network connections, making low connection speeds virtually impossible.

Any yet, for all the security that this provides to my home, there lies an extreme vulnerability, jamming. The cameras used in the property are those that sleep until motion is detected, and from there, stream video and alerts to all portable devices. 

Thus, anyone who breaks into the property at night will trigger the cameras, be recorded, and provide alerts. However, this system is only as good as the Wi-Fi, and while the Wi-Fi network is substantially good, it is still vulnerable to jamming. 

If an attacker was to utilise a strong jamming signal, it becomes possible for the devices to detect an intrusion, but fail to make a connection to the server which is then used to send alerts. The attacker doesn’t need to hack the Wi-Fi, break into the router, or disconnect power sources; they only need to emit extremely strong 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals that effectively wipe out the internal network.

Understanding Wireless System Vulnerabilities

Experts like Justin Brookman, director of consumer privacy and technology policy, highlight that while wireless systems offer unprecedented convenience, they are not immune to hacking attempts, including jamming attacks. Such vulnerabilities were brought to light in a demonstration by a YouTuber, showcasing how a SimpliSafe wireless home security system could be jammed using inexpensive devices. This real-world applicability underscores the importance of understanding both the benefits and potential vulnerabilities of wireless security systems.

Considering that developing Wi-Fi devices is a relatively trivial task, it wouldn’t be hard for a burglar to achieve this. The combination of a 2.4GHz power amplifier coupled with a sweep function (or multiple transmitters at key frequencies) could very easily overload the spectrum, preventing Wi-Fi from operating. Even kitchen microwaves are capable of reducing signal quality despite being shielded. 

Consumer Reports and security experts have shed light on the technical possibilities of jamming wireless security systems, revealing that while such attacks are technically possible, they are highly unlikely in real-life scenarios. However, awareness and preparedness are key. For instance, the demonstration by the LockPickingLawyer on how a SimpliSafe system could be bypassed using a $2 device from Amazon illustrates the need for systems to be designed with resistance to such vulnerabilities in mind.

How can jamming attacks be mitigated?

While nothing can be done to mitigate against a jamming attack (except for frequency hopping, which is far too complicated for basic devices), the most obvious defence is jamming detection. A router providing internet to a home could be configured to check for available frequencies and congestion, and if large emissions are detected across the board, then a jamming alarm could be triggered. 

Even though such an alarm cannot be used over Wi-Fi, it could very well be tied into home alarm systems or send messages via cellular data. This would bypass the need for Wi-Fi, thereby alerting homeowners to a potential attack.

Jamming devices could also be used to automatically lock doors via physical connections, turn on lights, and even call the security provider's office. Considering that such jamming devices are illegal, the use of a jammer would carry a longer sentence and/or fine from regulatory bodies, making such an attack inherently more risky. 

Following the advice of security professionals, homeowners are encouraged to use generic, unbranded security system signs. This strategy, as suggested by Bernie Deitrick, CR’s test engineer for home security systems, helps to deter potential burglars without revealing the specifics of your security setup. Such measures, coupled with advanced system designs that resist jamming, form a comprehensive approach to safeguarding your home against sophisticated attacks.

There is little that can be done against jammers, and using security systems entirely dependent on wireless networks can have some major drawbacks, but considering that most burglars are idiots, chances are jammers will be a rarity. As such, wireless battery security systems can continue to provide a convenient solution for those who are unable to install power and LAN cables.