Besides terrorists, there is another group that the working man and government agencies are afraid of. These people are called hackers, and they are able to break into most computer systems and take control of them, without getting out of their houses.
While most people think that hackers try to break into routers to use up their internet, or to get into their bank accounts, there are other ways hackers can mess with law abiding citizen. Now they can even gain access and control such devices as televisions and refrigerators that are hookup to the internet.
Hackers also have the ability to hack devices that are not connected to the internet. Most wireless security alarms communicate using some kind of radio frequency. In the past few years, researchers have been showing the public that it is possible for someone to hack wireless home alarm systems.
Researchers have been listening in on the wireless security alarms when they would talk to each other. By listening in on these conversations they are able to see when a window or door is opened or closed, and are able to jam the signals, preventing the homeowner or company from knowing someone is breaking in.
This could be done from anywhere between 60 ft to 250 ft, depending on the radio device being used to monitor the alarm system. While this distance might not seem very far away, it is still far enough to prevent the radio device from activating any outside alarms around the home.
The Problem with Home Security Systems
Wireless security alarms started to appear in the 1990s. Most of the alarms being sold today still use the same models and they have not been updated, even though technology has progressed significantly. Some systems have an anti-jamming features, but these can easily be bypassed.
This problem is not just an isolated issue, either. There are several security companies in the United States that have been selling home security alarms that can easily be hacked. Some companies outside the U.S that have been having this problem as well.
Two independent groups of researchers found out about this security exploit. Both groups plan on talking about these issues with companies and other researchers at the next Black Hat convention (a cyber-security convention, where different ways of breaking into a server are discussed).
Researchers have only been testing out home security alarms and not commercial security alarms. Commercial security alarms are supposed to be more secure than their residential counterparts, but this is also untested. They may have to worry about the same problems too.
Even though residential alarms can easily be hacked and disabled, there are still some that are very difficult to manipulate. When people buy these devices to protect their homes, they deserve at least the basic level of security. Companies are currently looking for a way to resolve this issue.
A professional locksmith can help with the choice of home security system. He can also service the one you already have, and check for faults and security breaches.
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