We recently came across an article that fear-mongers people into thinking their wireless alarm systems can easily be hacked by burglars. Now, although this isn’t strictly untrue, modern technology makes this more difficult for burglars. And, now you might be thinking “Can wired alarm systems get hacked too?!”
The purpose of this post is to put your mind at rest and explain the difference between the two types of alarm systems, as well as their Pros and Cons. So, without further ado…
Is it easy for thieves to hack into my wireless alarm system and break in to my home unnoticed?
Technically, yes. But wait! Before you exit this post and scrap the idea of an alarm altogether, allow me to explain why this won’t happen with our Guardian alarms.
Now that I have your attention, I’m going to briefly explain how it is physically possible for thieves to hack into wireless alarm systems.
In short terms, wireless burglar alarms rely on radio frequencies that are sent from the door and window sensors to the control panel (the box that activates the alarm if the sensors are tripped).
The downfall is that many standard wireless alarm systems fail to actually authenticate the signals that are being sent to the control panel, making it easy for a very intelligent thief to intercept the data and decipher the alarms.
These experienced burglars have two options:
- Jam the signals between the sensors and the control panel with radio noise. This will mean someone can break and enter without the alarm actually being tripped. If they’re REALLY smart, they could even jam the intra-home communications which will stop the alarm from being tripped in the home, and also the silent signals that are sent to the alarm company when suspicious activity is happening with your system.
- Interfere with the signals so that the alarm is activated, causing a series of ‘false alarms’. This makes the alarm system seem unreliable or faulty, so it won’t contact the alarm company. Meanwhile, Mr. Burglar has set up the perfect decoy, so when he DOES sneak in, the neighbours have already made a fuss half an hour ago over the 5 previous false alarms and ignore it.
Genius, eh?
Those jamming methods are really impressive and all but modern technology and wired alarm systems prevent this from happening.
If you’re feeling quite unsettled at this point, I’d like to mention that your average burglar won’t have the experience or knowledge to do this. We are talking about seasoned professionals who have been doing bank jobs and safe raids for a lifetime!
Why you’re safe from hackers in Guardian’s hands
You know how earlier we explained that older alarm systems can’t always authenticate the signals that are being sent between the sensors and the control panel?
Well the alarm systems that Guardian install are designed to beat the burglars and detect jamming.
There is a constant communication from the sensors to the control panel, which means, any kind of interruption or new signal is classed as an attack.
When the system detects this suspicious behaviour, the alarm goes off automatically. Not a false alarm, a real alarm that contacts the central monitoring station who can then alert the police.
So, now that’s all cleared up, there may still be one more question on your mind…
Can wired alarm systems get hacked by thieves too, or are they a safer option?
Wired alarm systems don’t rely on the radio frequencies that wireless alarms need to function.
Instead, like the name suggests, wired alarms rely on the wires that are attached from the sensors to the control panel to send the data.
Therefore, there is very little chance for any outside hacking. Instead, a burglar would have to know how to disarm your system from inside the house! Now, not many burglars are going to take that risk, are they…
Hopefully now you feel confident to have either system installed in your home knowing:
- It is almost impossible for hackers to attack modern wireless systems
- And wired alarm systems don’t have radio frequencies for people to hack
Burglary devastates lives. Ensuring you have an up to date alarm system in your home will help prevent it from destroying yours.
Secure your home with a reliable burglar alarm
And while the dangers mostly come with older and out-of-date systems, it’s not all about the technology – the company you choose to install and maintain your alarm is just as important.
Guardian Security have been installing and maintaining burglar alarms, fire alarms and door entry systems for over 25 years. And our NSI Gold accreditation confirms our status as a premium supplier.
You can rest assured that our experienced engineers will safeguard your home, quickly, efficiently and with reliable, high quality alarms.
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