Can Security Cameras Be Jammed? How Do Camera Jammers Work?

Yes, most security cameras are vulnerable, but not all. Security cameras can be jammed if a thief interferes with the signal. 

Although thieves can interfere with these signals in various ways, most result in losing video and audio from the camera.

They can interfere with these signals through Radiofrequency (RF) interference devices, radio frequency receivers, and transmitters.

Jamming is a method thieves use to disrupt communication systems between surveillance systems to deactivate them. You should know that Jamming is a highly illegal act.

While the thought of someone messing with your security system terrifies you, the good news is that this type of interference is uncommon. 

Security systems now have the technology to detect and notify homeowners if they believe their cameras have been jammed or interfered with.

Can All Security Cameras Be Jammed?

Security cameras come in two primary varieties: wired and wireless. Both kinds of security cameras can be jammed.

Wired Security Cameras

Wired security cameras are less vulnerable to jamming. This type of security camera has a physical link between the cable and the camera. Physical damage or disconnections are possible with wired surveillance systems. 

Since wired security cameras are built into a building’s wiring system and can only have their signals disrupted by taking out other crucial lines, they may be more difficult to jam.

One issue with wired home security cameras is that they can be turned off simply by cutting the appropriate connection. This can lead to expensive repairs in addition to stopping the camera from working, allowing criminals to enter the house undetected.

Wireless Security Camera

Wireless security cameras are more susceptible to jamming. Wi-Fi is used to link wireless security cameras to a network. Since wireless security cameras transmit a signal that is easily disrupted, they are more susceptible to being jammed.

Wireless cameras employ a specific radio frequency (RF) to receive and broadcast signals. Another security device using the same RF can produce a strong enough signal to jam this communication.

How Can You Tell If Your Camera Is Jammed?

If a Wi-Fi security camera loses internet connection or stops recording, that is evidence that it is jammed. Another sign that a recording is stuck is the presence of a black screen before and after regular recording. 

Undoubtedly, Jamming only sometimes results from a disrupted internet connection. Most individuals are accustomed to occasional, minor internet service outages. 

By monitoring the noise level near the security cameras, you can determine if any nearby devices or jammers are interfering with signal reception. 

Ordinarily, the noise level is expressed in decibel-milliwatts (dBm), ranging from 0 to 100. The noise interference decreases with a lower value. As a result, a location with -100 dBm has less signal interference than one with -30 dBm.You will notice noise levels closer to zero if a signal jammer is employed. 

Nevertheless, just because there is a lot of signal interference in your region does not necessarily suggest that it results from a jammer, as other typical household appliances and electronics can also generate signal interference.

Consider employing a monitoring tool to spot outside intrusions, jamming signals, and abnormal signal interferences. For instance, the xFi by Xfinity and the Fingbox by Fing. 

However, they don’t support all security cameras and apparatus, so ensure they work with your home security system before purchasing.

How To Protect Your Security Cameras From Being Jammed

It is challenging to prevent the jamming of your security cameras. The camera’s wireless transmission can be easily identified and interfered with. 

To prevent this, use a cable connection instead of Wi-Fi for your security camera’s Wi-Fi transmission. 

You might also conceal the camera in an area that is difficult to find or has restricted access.

The most effective method is employing a jammable hybrid camera. Any jamming attempts will be defeated if you insert your hybrid security camera, allowing you to keep an eye on the safety of your residence or business.

Wi-Fi security cameras are secured by frequency hopping, a special coding that enables quick frequency changes in the wireless spectrum. The majority of significant brands have embraced the signaling system.

The frequency hopping technology ensures that even if someone tries to jam your signal with an electronic device or RFID tag, they cannot do so without completely disrupting their transmission.

It’s advisable to avoid employing security signs with logos that identify the equipment brand. These devices are frequently prone to interference, and neighboring devices may jam them.

There are methods you may use to prevent your cameras from getting jammed without sacrificing their primary function or the caliber of the recorded video:

How Do Jammers Work?

Jammers usually work by broadcasting “noise” on a particular radio frequency. This prohibits anyone inside the jammer’s range from using those frequencies.

Devices using Wi-Fi frequently experience signal loss. This typically causes accidental communication interruptions. 

You don’t have to be immediately frightened that someone is attempting to destroy your security system by interfering with your signal when something similar happens.

However, you should know that a jammer can deactivate any nearby gadgets whose operation relies on a Wi-Fi connection. Consequently, a jammer can stop any device from communicating with the same frequency. 

What Should You Do If You Suspect Someone Is Jamming Your Security Cameras?

You can do two things if you think someone is interfering with your security cameras, contact the HOA (Homeowner Association) and police authorities. 

It’s crucial to understand that if your house has a security system association agreement, they can assist you in these circumstances.

It is significant to know that the Federal Communications Commission has a procedure for filing complaints regarding unlawful Jamming. 

It is essential to report the incident and contact police enforcement if you believe someone is interfering with your security cameras.

If the system detects the intruder, they will be captured. Still, if they are not, other techniques like physical monitoring or video analytics can assist in catching them.

What Are Laws Against Jammers?

The laws against jammers are stringent. Jammer cannot be purchased or sold in the United States. 

It is illegal to employ any equipment designed to interfere with wireless systems. Jammers are a direct and severe security threat.

Can You Prevent A Security Camera From Being Jammed?

Following are the ways you can use to prevent a security camera from being jammed:

Signal Jamming

Signal jamming is the intentional disruption of wireless signals. It can be used for nefarious purposes like preventing surveillance cameras from recording substantial evidence or keeping people from connecting to their WIFI networks.

Criminals will use jamming devices to block out signals from cameras or other surveillance equipment to commit a crime without being recorded.

Some individuals might be curious whether turning off a signal jammer is possible. Signal jammers can be found, although they can’t be stopped by jamming themselves.

As a result, wired and hybrid security cameras may be your best alternative. The best wireless cameras are those that can also support frequency hopping. 

If these cameras (and security systems) notice significant signal interference, they can instantly shift their frequency.

It’s important to remember that if someone is trying to jam your wireless security camera, they might also be able to hack it.

In that scenario, you should take precautions to prevent unauthorized access to your wireless network, routers, cameras, and other wireless electronics.

Deauthentication Attack

If your security cameras frequently detach from the wireless signal before reconnecting (or fail to reconnect), the wireless signal coverage may be the cause. Make sure the signal coverage is strong in this situation.

Ensure your Wi-Fi signal is encrypted with WPA2 or WPA3 for the best defense against such assaults.

These attacks, if well-planned, can potentially continually disconnect the cameras from the network. But a de-authentication assault could also be the cause.

Your password must be made up of letters, capital and lowercase, symbols and numbers. The password ought to be lengthy and robust (i.e., free of words that are simple to decipher).

How to React If You Notice Jamming Activity

You must submit a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission if you believe someone is researching, importing, utilizing, advertising, or selling illegal signal blocks. Make contact with the Enforcement Bureau as your initial move.

You should note:

Conclusion

Installing a connected home security system is the best option to outsmart burglars. The jamming device’s powerful frequencies won’t interfere with the wired cameras.

Signal jammers are a tool criminals use to turn off security cameras and produce faulty video. Installing a connected home security system is the best option to outwit burglars. 

The jamming device’s powerful frequencies won’t interfere with the wired cameras. There is no way to stop someone from employing a jammer. 

It’s crucial to remain vigilant at all times. You should report anyone interfering with wireless signals illegally.