月別アーカイブ: 2024年10月

What do you need to know about the growing crime of electronic devices – ‘key jammers’ – that prevent cars from locking?

These types of transmitters can be effortlessly purchased online and are employed to disrupt the key fob’s signal. This results in a false sense of security for inattentive drivers, who may believe their car is secure, despite its actual lack of protection.

This scenario provides a chance for thieves to seize your property or even your car.

A relatively low-powered signal jammers may operate within a range of approximately 75 meters, thereby affecting a considerable space, such as an entire car park, all at once.

On the other hand, criminals who possess wifi blocker can execute their plans in diverse environments, not solely restricted to public car parks.

After getting up to prepare for work, I went outside and realized that all the car doors were closed.

I was astounded to find that I had locked the car, especially since I was at my boyfriend’s house and had left my Christmas gifts in it. Upon checking the vehicle, we were disheartened to see that it had been completely turned over and all valuable possessions had been taken.

Initially, the police conveyed that they were unable to take action. They did not send personnel to check for fingerprints, citing the lack of obvious break-in signs. However, after I called my bank to cancel my card, I discovered that my contactless card had been used by the thief. This development led the police to take a more serious approach to the case.

They are actively scrutinizing the CCTV images in the hope of locating the individuals responsible.

How can you make sure your car is secure?

The sole method to definitively verify whether a vehicle is locked is to check it by hand. Many cars offer additional cues that indicate the locks are activated, such as blinking lights, mirrors folding in, or a brief horn sound.

Being close to the vehicle allows you to hear the central locking mechanism click into position.

Deputy Chief Superintendent Jukes highlighted the necessity for individuals to exercise caution against electronic intrusions like this one.

We call upon the public to exercise caution with their vehicles and personal items to reduce the likelihood of attracting criminal attention. This includes checking that the vehicle is locked and taking any valuables along when leaving the vehicle.

A more technologically advanced solution for securing your vehicle could be to invest in a car jam detector, which alerts you with an alarm when it recognizes a jam.

Will insurance companies cover such thefts?

Ms. Dover raised an important issue faced by victims, noting that they not only experience the loss of their belongings but also lack proof that they simply forgot to secure their vehicle. Most insurance policies do not cover theft if the car is left unattended and unlocked.

According to the findings of the Financial Ombudsman, several insurers will not cover theft claims if the vehicle is left unattended and without being locked.

The only definitive proof of a jammed car lock is the capture of the thief, although a trend of thefts can be considered strong evidence.

The Thames Valley Police are probing into 14 recent thefts involving lorries, vans, and cars, all of which showed “no obvious signs of break-in.”

The service stations on the M4 motorway in Berkshire experienced a number of thefts during the concluding two weeks of November.

Could the approach of linking phones to create a singular, extensive distributed antenna assist in thwarting Russian electronic warfare tactics?

As reported by an American organization developing a system in Ukraine, networked cell phones that operate on specialized software might offer a low-cost and easily implementable counter to the advanced electronic warfare techniques used by Russia.

The use of electronic warfare by Russia, including techniques such as signal jamming and GPS spoofing, complicates the operational landscape for Ukrainian forces, hindering their ability to effectively utilize drones and high-end U.S. weaponry. Detecting and identifying enemy jamming equipment usually requires advanced software-defined radios, which are commonly supplied to the United States and other financially capable military entities. In contrast, smaller militaries like Ukraine’s find it challenging to secure these necessary tools in sufficient numbers due to limited budgets.

If a low-cost system is developed to pinpoint enemy jamming devices, it could empower Ukrainian operators to recover some tactical advantage against their more heavily armed opponents. This development might also reshape the strategies of cellphone network providers in reinforcing their devices against advanced attacks.

Near Christmas of last year, the Ukrainian military reached out to Sean Gorman and his team at Zephr, a company known for its expertise in protecting devices from GPS-signal interference. Zephr promptly sent six Android Pixel phones, loaded with their software, to Ukraine, and in April, they started field tests in areas adjacent to the frontlines in Donetsk.

Gorman conveyed to Defense One that the phones were mounted on drones, incorporated into cars, and arranged on stationary stands. They have also engaged in controlled experiments where their own jamming devices were used, enabling them to pinpoint the location.

The primary focus was to explore if regular consumer phones, working collectively in a network, could indicate the presence of an entity trying to disrupt GPS location data. The results showed that by comparing the GPS reception among different devices, they could detect when one or more phones were under threat.

As Gorman explained, “Our methodology primarily revolves around exploiting the sensors present in the phone. The most crucial sensor is the raw data from the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that the phone provides. This includes automatic gain control (AGC), Doppler information, carrier phase, code phase, and other data that mobile devices collect concerning their distance from satellites, cellular towers, and other network equipment.”

To optimize performance, manufacturers install these sensors in mobile phones, allowing them to identify the nearest cell tower. The measurements obtained are crucial for the GPS-processing software that informs users of their location. By gathering data from a broad spectrum of phones, one can ascertain which devices are potentially under attack.

As Gorman explained, the computational AI we have implemented in the backend, along with the complexity of our signal and software processing, provides extensive capabilities. Instead of relying solely on sensors or prohibitively expensive antenna arrays, there is a significant advantage in connecting phones to operate as a single, large distributed antenna.

The analyses revealed additional insights into the realm of Russian electronic warfare.

The Baltic Sea is witnessing Russian interference with GPS signals, leading to the display of incorrect location data by receivers. NATO officials have described this as a perilous situation for commercial aviation. A frequent countermeasure against drones is the spoofing of GPS signals, which causes the drone to erroneously perceive that it is above an airport, thus requiring it to land or vacate restricted airspace.

Soldiers in Donetsk, Ukraine, regularly report encountering spoofing attacks targeting their drones. However, Gorman and his team have found that much of this “spoofing” is actually attributable to high-powered jamming attempts. These jamming activities occur within the same frequency bands as GPS or GNSS, which allows them to imitate satellite signals. This phenomenon results in the appearance of phantom or ghost satellites in areas where they cannot logically exist and still deliver a signal, such as beneath the horizon.

In a report to Defense One, Gorman explained that the noise detected does not resemble a conventional GNSS signal, although it does contain energy at the frequencies the receiver is scanning for satellite signals. The signal-processing algorithms of the receiver apply correlation techniques to discern and track these satellite signals. When a powerful jamming signal is introduced, it can create false correlations, leading the receiver to erroneously conclude that it is detecting satellites that are not actually observable.

Currently collaborating with the Ukrainian government under a contractual agreement, the group is focused on advancing their research to go beyond the detection of signal jammers, aiming to pinpoint their locations for potential avoidance or eradication.

According to Gorman’s email, the new techniques being developed will estimate the location of signals of interest using three inputs: 1. localization by range inferred from power; 2. localization by area of effect; and 3. triangulation of jammers based on the angle of arrival. Each smartphone will identify the interference signal, record the last known position, and timestamp the reception, generating data points across the network. By aggregating and processing these signals centrally, the system will triangulate the position of the cell phone jammer.

The U.S. military is channeling substantial funds into alternatives to GPS, often called alternative position, navigation, and timing (Alt PNT), to enable individuals, drones, and other entities to determine their precise locations. Unfortunately, many of these investments have not proven to be particularly fruitful.

As Gorman pointed out, the operation cannot proceed without a predetermined known position, and it is nearly impossible to determine this position without GPS.

The proposed networked approach will not take the place of other, more costly military systems that are utilized for the detection and identification of jammers. However, it does provide a solution that can be implemented swiftly and economically for military organizations such as Ukraine, as well as other groups that may face disruptions from jamming activities, including first responders. Additionally, while it will not replace the pursuit of alternative position, navigation, and timing methods, it may contribute to their improved effectiveness.

Gorman indicated that there could be a radically different perspective to consider. Instead of funneling all resources into Alt PNT and GNSS resilience, which are indeed useful, we might want to assess how this has become a reality. He stressed the importance of mapping and understanding the area in relation to the emitters, which would enable us to steer clear of those areas and remove the emitters.

Until the month of June, Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson had not acknowledged the degree of disorder that signal jammers could introduce into law enforcement operations.

At that point, his office came across one positioned in the rear section of a car.

In a presentation to an interim legislative committee last week, Robinson indicated that the office had received a notification about a burglary in progress. The staff leveraged the camera systems within the subdivision to locate a vehicle associated with the alleged perpetrators.

Robinson reported that the officer’s radio and computer failed to operate when the vehicle was pulled over.

Signal jammers can effectively obstruct various forms of communication, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, thereby affecting devices such as phones, Ring doorbells, and wireless alarm systems. Robinson mentioned that the wifi jammer his office uncovered has a range of one mile.

He engaged with an interim panel that specializes in the criminal code, calling upon the lawmaker-led entity to consider the formulation of a new law that would make the importation and various uses of the devices illegal.

Robinson remarked that it is not essential to pursue this matter extensively to realize that it possesses other functions, particularly regarding terrorism.

He illustrated various situations where malicious actors could potentially disrupt medical devices in hospitals, hinder police communications through surveillance towers, access the mobile phones of everyday individuals via cellular networks, and manipulate traffic flow controlled by wireless traffic signals.

Under federal regulations, signal jammers are unlawful. The Federal Communications Commission prohibits the marketing, sale, or operation of any device that interferes with authorized radio communications.

Representative Matt Pierce, affiliated with the Democratic Party and hailing from Bloomington, indicated that correctional institutions cannot resort to signal jammers to eliminate their problems with contraband telephones.

Senator Lonnie Randolph, from East Chicago, posed a question regarding the reasons Indiana lawmakers should evaluate potential changes in light of the federal prohibition on these devices.

It was noted by Robinson that Indiana officers are not endowed with “immediate” law enforcement authority due to the absence of a relevant state statute.

Representative Wendy McNamara, who oversees the interim panel and the House’s Courts and Criminal Code committee, conveyed her opinion that Robinson’s office was fortunate, emphasizing that the situation “could have been much worse.”

Yet, she noted that the legislative action regarding the technology might not take place without delay.

Addressing the media, McNamara remarked that, truthfully, we lack a structured method for dealing with signal jammers at present.

Officials in La Cañada Flintridge began noticing thieves were using Wi-Fi blocking devices to bypass home security systems like cameras and door sensors.

In response to an increase in home break-ins by “sophisticated criminals” in the San Gabriel Valley, the city of La Cañada Flintridge announced Tuesday that it has increased law enforcement patrols and begun taking steps to curb crimes that rely on new technology.

Arabo Parseghian of the city’s administrative services department said the city is working with the Crescenta Valley Police Department and Los Angeles County to expand police presence while officials try to stop thieves who are taking advantage of wireless technology.

“For wireless cameras, alarm systems and door sensors, a lot of criminals are now trying to rely on Wi-Fi jammers to combat them,” Parseghian said.

He said city officials began noticing criminals were using Wi-Fi jammers to get around them. Blocking devices to bypass security systems so that even if a burglary occurs, they won’t alert homeowners.

An attempted burglary a few months ago confirmed officers’ suspicions when deputies found items left behind by the criminals, Parsekin said.

“They left some equipment behind, one of which was a Wi-Fi signal blocker which we seized as part of the evidence in the burglary, and we’re seeing this as a trend among criminals today.”

He added that the city has seen seven to eight burglaries a month lately.

In addition to the increased patrols, the sheriff’s department will do some undercover work, and the city will also purchase Flock Safety cameras, which can read license plates and flag suspicious vehicles, including those that may have warrants.

City officials also recommend that homeowners update the firmware on all firewalls and home security devices and install glass detectors on doors that can send alerts.

With the summer holidays approaching, authorities are encouraging residents to sign up for “vacation checks” with the sheriff’s department and to communicate plans with trusted people.

“If you trust your neighbors, if you have a good relationship, let them know, ‘Hey, I’m going out of town.’ ”

Aircraft and missiles entering enemy airspace are expected to depend on drone jammers operating in advance to disrupt and neutralize air defense systems, contingent upon the successful deployment of a new British-developed jammer.

Unlike traditional standoff jammers that are deployed on large aircraft to remain safe from threats while neutralizing enemy radar systems from afar, Leonardo is introducing a new “standoff” jammer designed to be compact enough for drone installation and cost-effective for immediate deployment.

Leonardo drone on display at the 2023 Paris Air Show

The BriteStorm satellite, currently being showcased by Leonardo at the American Astronautical Society convention in Washington, has a weight of approximately 2.5 kilograms. This weight encompasses the transmit and receive modules as well as the antennas, and the satellite is comparable in size to six Coke cans, according to company representatives.

Michael Lea, the vice president of electronic warfare sales at Leonardo UK, stated that it has the potential to lead any force that penetrates enemy territory.

Lea stated that the kit is intended to be affordable and single-use, and it can be mounted on large quadcopters or fixed-wing drones that are deployed in combat zones.

Should the newly developed British signal jammers gain traction, aircraft and missiles entering hostile regions will increasingly depend on drone jammers deployed in advance to disrupt and neutralize air defense systems.

Unlike standoff jammers, which are deployed on large aircraft to remain safe from threats while neutralizing enemy radar systems from afar, Leonardo is introducing an innovative “stand-in” jammer. This new device is compact enough to be installed on drones and is cost-effective, making it readily available for operational use.

The BriteStorm satellite, presented by Leonardo at the American Astronautical Society convention in Washington, has a weight of approximately 2.5 kilograms. This weight encompasses the transmit and receive modules as well as the antennas, and the satellite’s dimensions are comparable to those of six Coke cans, according to company representatives.

Michael Lea, the vice president of electronic warfare sales at Leonardo UK, stated that it has the potential to lead any operation that ventures into enemy territory.

Lea stated that the kit is intended to be cost-effective and disposable, specifically designed for installation on larger quadcopters or winged drones that are deployed in combat situations.

He stated that the pricing is structured in such a way that it can be regarded as an expendable asset; therefore, if it is destroyed, it will not result in significant economic losses or major strategic issues.

Upon detecting an enemy radar signal, the system employs Leonardo’s Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology to digitally capture and process the signal. It subsequently responds by either jamming the radar with electronic noise or spoofing it, which may include generating multiple “ghost” fighter signatures.

The DRFM technology utilized by Leonardo in its BriteCloud system is identical; this system serves as an expendable countermeasure intended for deployment from an aircraft to interfere with the radar guidance mechanisms of approaching missiles.

BriteStorm employs a maximum of three transmit-receive modules that encompass low, mid, and high frequency bands.

The system has been transported to the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office following its development at Leonardo’s facility located in Luton, UK.

Leonardo considers BriteStorm to be an advancement over Raytheon’s MALD (Micro Air-Launched Decoy), which is an air-launched expendable jammer missile that has been reportedly utilized in Ukraine.

Lea stated that it surpasses the capabilities of standoff jammers. “Standoff jammers maintain a fixed position in the air, whereas standoff jammers operate at a closer range to the threat, exhibit greater maneuverability, and possess multiple axes to disrupt and neutralize the threat.”

The Internet is an extremely powerful tool that provides endless possibilities for work and play, with access to a wide range of information in just a few clicks. However, it also poses significant risks to privacy, security, and authority, both in professional and private settings.

It is a common reality that WiFi networks are easily misused. To combat these issues, using a WiFi blocker may be a solution. Whether you want to regain control of your family life, workplace, or protect your children, a Wi-Fi blocker can give you peace of mind.

Key Reasons You Absolutely Need a WiFi Blocker

1. A Wi-Fi blocker is an effective way to prevent students from cheating on classroom exams. By blocking Internet access, students cannot search for answers on their phones or access online resources. For laptop-based exams, you can ensure the integrity of the exam by having students download required documents before enabling the Wi-Fi blocker.
2. A Wi-Fi blocker can also serve as a form of parental control, allowing you to regulate Internet access for unruly children. If your children are using the Internet late at night or accessing inappropriate content, you can control their Internet usage when necessary. While some tech-savvy kids try to reactivate routers when left unsupervised, you can use a Wi-Fi blocker to maintain control over internet access.
3. Wi-Fi blockers are often used to prevent unknown and unwanted devices from transmitting data to malicious actors. Surveillance devices such as hidden cameras and microphones may be found in certain locations such as hotels, locker rooms, and Airbnb rentals. While some may have legitimate security purposes, others violate your privacy by recording your activities.
4. By using a Wi-Fi blocker, you can prevent surveillance devices from transmitting these recordings over the internet, thus protecting your privacy. Additionally, Wi-Fi blockers help prevent alarming activities such as webcam hacking, where someone gains unauthorized access to your laptop’s camera and can remotely monitor your behavior.

Buying a WiFi Jammer

Before buying a WiFi jammer, it is important to evaluate the performance of your WiFi router. Different router models offer different levels of control and settings.

The general rule is to choose a WiFi jammer that can pinpoint the frequency on which your WiFi router communicates with your devices. To achieve this, you should identify the specific channels that your router supports and buy a signal jammer that can block at least one of those channels.

For example, if your WiFi router can be manually set to work only on the 2.4 GHz band, a simple jammer that blocks the 2.4 GHz frequency will be enough. However, if you don’t have control over the channels of your WiFi router, you’ll need to invest in an advanced WiFi blocker.

If you plan to use your WiFi blocker in different locations outside of your home, the process becomes more unpredictable. It may not always be possible to determine the performance of wireless routers in different locations. In this case, you can either equip yourself with a router that covers the most common channel options or invest in an advanced Wi-Fi blocker that can cover a wider frequency range.

Different types of WiFi jammers:

• Portable jammers: These compact devices are easy to carry and can fit in your pocket. They are suitable for personal use and offer limited protection.
• Larger models: Some WiFi jammers require a wired connection and offer stronger blocking capabilities. They are usually used in fixed locations and can cover larger areas.
• Frequency and range: WiFi operates on two main frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Most jammers focus on blocking the popular 2.4GHz frequency. But for full protection, it is recommended to choose a model that covers both frequencies. Wi-Fi jammers vary in range, from short-range jammers with a range of 15 to 20 meters to more powerful models with a range of up to 250 meters.

What can cell phone jammers be used for?

Known as cell phone blockers or jammers, cell phone jammers are devices that obstruct radio signals, affecting cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and GPS systems through the emission of radio waves. These devices generally operate within a range of 10 to 40 meters.

Both the military and government have developed systems that can effectively interfere with radio communications across extensive areas.

By utilizing jammers, retailers can obstruct customers from conducting price comparisons within the store, which can lead to an increase in their sales.

In specific settings that demand quiet or reduced distractions, signal jammers prove to be beneficial. They can eliminate interruptions caused by ringing cell phones in theaters or chatter among youth in schools.

It is possible for criminals to utilize jammers to hinder the functionality of wireless alarm systems and other radio connections, which can prevent emergency calls from being placed via the mobile phone network.

WiFi Interference

• How it works: WiFi uses the 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency band. Jammers emit powerful signals in the same frequency band, causing data communications between the router and the device to be blocked.
• Impact: Internet access becomes slow or disconnects completely, and devices cannot connect to the wireless network.

GPS Jamming

• How it works: GPS signals operate on higher frequencies such as the L1 band (1575.42 MHz). Jammers cover these frequencies by emitting noise signals, making it impossible for GPS devices to receive location signals from satellites.
• Impact: Navigation devices cannot determine location, and time synchronization may also be affected. Some devices that require precise positioning (such as drones or logistics tracking systems) will fail as a result.

Cellular Network Jamming

• How it works: Cellular networks (such as 2G/3G/4G/5G) use different frequency bands. Jammers block communications between base stations and mobile phones by emitting strong signals on these frequency bands.
• Impact: Mobile phones may not be able to make calls, send text messages, or use mobile data.

The widespread integration of wireless communication devices has resulted in extraordinary convenience. Although these devices have revolutionized our interactions and access to information, they can also create issues related to interference, privacy breaches, and security threats. When used responsibly and within legal boundaries, signal jammers can produce numerous advantageous effects that improve daily life.

How do signal jammers enhance security and privacy?

Signal jammers are instrumental in reinforcing security measures and protecting privacy. In areas of high sensitivity, including government buildings, military installations, and secure facilities, the use of signal jammers effectively curtails unauthorized wireless communications, thereby diminishing the risks associated with espionage, hacking, and unauthorized recording. Moreover, signal jammers play a significant role in safeguarding personal privacy in public venues by obstructing unauthorized filming or recording, thus providing individuals with enhanced control over their privacy.

Frequency jammers can play a crucial role in enhancing concentration and productivity within certain environments. In areas that require quiet and focus, such as classrooms, libraries, and office spaces, these devices can help alleviate disturbances from ringing phones, unauthorized wireless device activity, and disruptive sounds. This can ultimately lead to an environment that is more supportive of learning, concentration, and effective communication, thus improving overall productivity and efficiency.

How do cell phone signal jammers block signals?

A variety of approaches can be employed to block cell phone signals, with cell phone jammers being the most common. These devices transmit designated radio frequencies that disrupt the communication between a cell phone and the nearest base station, effectively preventing the phone from making calls, sending text messages, and accessing the internet.

Another method to inhibit cell phone signals is by employing a signal-blocking box or bag. These devices are often crafted from specific materials that efficiently isolate electromagnetic signal interference, effectively creating a “dead zone” for the phone, rendering it incapable of receiving any signals.

What is the effective range of a cell phone signal jammer?

The range of a cell phone signal jammer can vary significantly, contingent upon its power output and design features. Smaller, portable jammers may possess a limited range of just a few meters, which makes them suitable for use in compact settings like classrooms or meeting rooms. On the other hand, more robust jammers can operate over distances of hundreds of meters, efficiently blocking signals in expansive areas.