Uninterrupted Safety: Navigating Wi-Fi Jammers & Security Systems

In an era where criminals are tech-savvy, concerns about Wi-Fi jammers disrupting security systems have emerged. While not commonly reported to affect our systems directly, they could theoretically disrupt communication for both professionally monitored and self-monitored home and business security setups. 

Fortunately, if you are a Per Mar Security Services customer, you do not have to be a victim of Wi-Fi jammers. Our home and business security systems are designed with robust countermeasures to ensure your safety remains uninterrupted.

How Wi-Fi Jammers Work

Wi-Fi jammers can disrupt wireless home security systems by blocking the signals they rely on to operate effectively. These devices work by emitting signals on the same frequencies used by Wi-Fi networks, creating interference that can prevent security devices from communicating with each other and with our central monitoring center. This can potentially leave your home or business vulnerable by disabling alarms or preventing alerts from being sent. 

However, our security systems are designed with countermeasures against such interference. We use redundancies such as multiple communication pathways and alerting home and business owners to signal disruption. In other words, we’ll be the first to know if something is awry and you will be notified immediately. 

How to Prevent Wi-Fi Jammers from Working

Using Multiple Paths with Encrypted Transmission

Security systems using encrypted transmission that utilize multiple paths will be extremely hard to “jam” as most jammers are of a single-path transmission. That means they require very close proximity to affect the sensors. In most cases, it would require breaching the alarm system before the jammer could provide cover for the illegal entry. Per Mar uses multiple/dual paths (cellular communicator and IP/internet) of communication between your home or business and the monitoring center. 

Alarm Security

Our monitored security systems rely primarily on cellular communications, which means the core alarm functionality remains unaffected by Wi-Fi interference. Should a Wi-Fi jammer ever be used, the system’s alarm would still activate on-site, ensuring immediate alert. In other words your device might go into a fault but we would still get the alarm because we use cellular.

Video Security

While Wi-Fi jammers could potentially hinder video notifications from Wi-Fi cameras or doorbells, we’ve anticipated such scenarios. Our recommended solution is IP monitoring supported by Wi-Fi, complemented by a cellular backup. This dual-path communication ensures that, even in the unlikely event of Wi-Fi disruption, your system stays online while maintaining reliable communication and keeping you connected to what matters most.

Detecting Wi-Fi Jammers & Taking Action

Detecting the use of Wi-Fi jammers involves a few strategic approaches. A spectrum analyzer, a device commonly used to measure signals and identify interference, is highly effective for confirming jamming activities. Additionally, enhancing the communication frequency between your alarm system and the monitoring center can help identify disruptions. While this might slightly increase your monthly fees, it offers peace of mind and allows you to verify communication integrity directly from your keypad.

The Legalities & Who Should Be Worried

It’s crucial to understand that the use of any device designed to intentionally block or interfere with authorized radio communications—including phone jammers and GPS blockers—is illegal under federal law. This law is enforced rigorously by both federal law enforcement and cell network providers, especially since these networks support critical infrastructure like ATMs and security systems.

Because of the harsh repercussions of breaking this law, Phil Williams from our Twin Cities branch office believes Wi-Fi jamming isn’t something to lose sleep over. “Home and business owners using POTs (traditional landlines) should be more concerned about transmission failure than jamming. Also, POTS lines have typically been most susceptible to sabotage, cutting, or destroying the connectivity to the public phone network. IP communicators using protected premise land-based communication where those physical cables are readily accessible to someone outside of the secured perimeter (side of house/building, etc.) should look to physically secure (conduit/metallic enclosure) those lines to make it more difficult to access and sever the connection,” he said. 

The helpful news is that cellular backup is the answer to both Wi-Fi jam prevention and the above stated POTS issues. “Plus, cellular backup is more reliable than VoIP,” Phil added. 

If you suspect jamming, promptly report it to your local police department. Should they advise that it’s a federal issue, request a referral to a federal agency for a thorough investigation. This proactive stance not only protects your own security setup but also adheres to legal standards, ensuring that you navigate these challenges responsibly and effectively.

Rest assured, the integrity of your business or home security system remains our top priority. With cellular backup, we offer an extra layer of protection, ensuring that you and your most valued people feel safe and secure, no matter the circumstances. Give us a call or shoot us a message to learn more!