ADT is highlighting new and emerging threats as technology evolves in a continued and concerted effort to counter criminal behaviour. Point in case is the relatively new trend of illegal wifi jamming meaning that protection must extend beyond the home, to the security system itself.
Wifi jamming occurs when an attacker uses a device to flood radio frequencies (RF) with noise, blocking the signals smart home devices rely on to communicate. Using illegal RF jammers, hackers can prevent devices like wifi cameras from working together for example.
However, in recent news, Oregon Senate Bill 959 has been introduced to tackle the growing threat to the safety and security of homes and businesses: the use of wifi signal jammers in criminal activities. These devices can interfere with alarm systems, making it easier for criminals to break into homes and buildings undetected. This leaves home security systems that rely solely on Wifi vulnerable. According to ADT, passing this bill is essential to help keep customers connected and protected when every second counts.
Holly Borgmann, Vice President, Government Affairs at ADT, comments on the news. “Although wifi jamming is illegal in many countries, including the United States, enforcement is challenging. This leaves home security systems that rely solely on wifi vulnerable to compromise during critical moments. Passing Senate Bill 959 in Oregon is critical to keeping our customers protected and connected 24/7 and we would strongly encourage other states to pass similar legislation.”
The legislation aims to add alarm signal jammers to the state’s list of burglary tools, addressing the ease with which this technology can be purchased online. Although signal jammers are illegal under federal law, enforcement at that level is extremely limited. Taking steps to support this legislation at a state level, such as Oregon, is crucial in thwarting this criminal behaviour.
ADT stresses that this technology is becoming a growing trend nationwide, and it is imperative that states enact laws to keep up with highly sophisticated thieves. “At ADT, we take pride in our products that have systems in place to help deter the effectiveness of Wifi jamming. ADT urges lawmakers to pass this important bill and we encourage our customers and community members to support it as well,” concludes Borgmann.
