Can Security Cameras Be Jammed? Expert Explain

Every homeowner wants only one thing from their security camera, and that is to work. However, this is not always the case. Cameras are electronic devices, and they are prone to breakdowns and external interference. But with all the electronic equipment, can the cameras be jammed? In this article, we’ll talk about that and much more. So, let’s start!

So Can Security Cameras Be Jammed? Security cameras can be jammed (this applies to wireless models). This is so because its wireless signal can be overpowered by a stronger signal on the same frequency, and a jammer can do just that. Also, wired security cameras can also be jammed via connected equipment or tamper.

If someone wants to disable the security camera, they will generally do so by damaging or disabling it. However, modern technology provides other (easier) ways to do this, and that is through jammers. But the possibility that the camera can be jammed should never be ruled out. Let’s look below at everything you need to know about jammers.

If you have a security camera in your home, be sure to read Why Do Security Cameras Have a Red Light?

What Does It Mean to “Jam” a Security Camera?

When it comes to jamming, it usually means disabling the system, where someone wants to prevent a security camera from working. Electronic devices that use radio or WI-FI signals are particularly susceptible to jamming. Disabling surveillance systems by tampering with their communication results in jamming. You need to know that jamming is extremely illegal.

What Are The Reasons For Jamming a Security Camera?

The person who decides to do jamming to the security system usually has no good intentions. There are really just a few good reasons why someone would jam a security camera. It should be reiterated that jamming is an illegal action, even when its reasons are legal.

However, there are a few reasons why someone would try to jammer the camera.

• If they want to commit a crime without being noticed
• To avoid facial recognition taped by cameras in public areas
• To hack the security system

But there is one exception against the assumption that every act of camera jamming is done out of illegal intent. For example, when you want to prevent your neighbor’s camera from monitoring your property or violating your privacy. But even in this case, jamming is an illegal act that is categorized as a crime.

The Neighbor Is Recording You

During camera jamming, your intention was not to commit an illegal act, if you do so, you have committed a crime. Therefore, we advise that if you are bothered by your neighbor’s surveillance system, you should rather talk to him about it.

In most cases, when a person faces a problem, they also find a solution. But often, behind the problem is someone who can be very persistent in stopping you from trying to solve it or causing it to recur after you solve it. This also applies to jamming security cameras. Every homeowner has the same goal – to make their home always a safe place.

That’s why security system manufacturers are committed to making cameras as effective as possible when someone tries to interfere with their work. Anyone who indulges in jamming the security camera knows that he is committing an illegal act, but usually, that person does not care about it too much. Therefore, the conclusion is that the person who deals with camera jamming does not have good intentions.

Related Article: How to Hide a Camera Phone in Your Bathroom?

Can All Security Cameras Be Jammed?

First, we need to know what kind of cameras exist. There are two types of cameras on the market: wireless and wired. Both of these types can be jammed.

1. Wired Security Cameras

The signal path of wired cameras is through a dedicated cable. This means that they cannot be jammed the same way as when it comes to wireless cameras. But that’s why wired security cameras can be jammed in situations where someone tamper with wires or other connected equipment.

One of the biggest problems with wired cameras is that they can be easily disrupted if someone knows exactly which wire to cut. This is a particularly bad situation for the homeowner because not only will thieves easily rob the home after disabling the camera, but it will also cause additional damage due to expensive camera repairs. When the camera is cut off from the power, it is no longer recording, and the thieves know that they cannot be recognized after they successfully escape from the crime scene.

2. Wireless Security Cameras

Wireless cameras work differently, and they cannot be disabled in the same way as wired cameras. However, wireless cameras can be disabled with certain devices. These cameras send and receive a signal using a special radio frequency (RF). This signal can be jammed by a person with bad intentions using a device that operates on the same radio frequency and with which the camera signal can be overpowered.

So, for a thief to disable a wireless security camera, it is necessary to find out the frequency of the camera, which is not hard. In addition, it must have some appropriate equipment. Before embarking on jamming, the thief must know exactly what kind of security system he will be dealing with.

This is a situation where homeowners make it easier for thieves by buying branded security equipment and highlighting the label of that equipment on the outside of the house. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to make it clear to passers-by that the house is under security surveillance, but you shouldn’t use branded signs that, at first glance, make it clear exactly what security equipment you have in the house.

Sometimes wireless cameras can be jammed if thieves use de-authentication attacks that do not jam the camera, but just turn it off or cause a loss of connection. However, it can happen that a thief manages to gain access to your wireless network, which is a special security issue.

What Other Devices Can be Jammed?

The person who wants to disable your surveillance system must have some knowledge of how home security systems work, as well as something about radio frequencies. Also, be aware that other communication channels you use may be affected when it comes to the jamming of security cameras. It is possible that the thief:

• Blocks cell phone communications (incoming/outgoing calls, texting, and emails).
• Prevent other devices from using Wi-Fi and accessing/connecting to the internet.
• Tablets
• Impede location services by enabling your mobile device which makes it impossible for someone to find you (this is not desirable when you are in a situation of emergency).
• Disrupt GPS signals.

How Do Jammers Work?

It is not uncommon for WI-FI devices to sometimes lose signal. This is most often the cause of communication interruptions that happen by accident. When something like this occurs to you, you don’t have to be immediately afraid that someone is trying to sabotage your security system by interfering with your signal.

However, you should know that you can disable any devices within a certain radius whose operation depends on a WI-FI connection by using a jammer. Thus, a jammer can prevent any device from communicating at the same frequency.

How To Tell If a Security Camera Has Been Jammed?

A good sign that someone is trying to tamper with your security camera is if your security system often stops recording or loses its Internet connection. Also, it is often the case that these disturbances occur according to the same pattern. However, similar situations can happen if there is a problem with the Internet connection with your service provider. Before you panic that someone is trying to rob you, check the stability of the internet connection.

You will recognize that your security camera is jammed if its recordings are no longer available to you or are of poor quality to the point that they are useless. In this case, the camera itself may be in excellent condition, but it does not respond to movement and does not record.

If you want to check if someone nearby is trying to disable your WI-FI camera, you can do so by monitoring the noise level near the location where the camera is installed. Noise level is expressed in decibel-mill watts (dBm), ranging from 0 to -100. The smaller the number, the smaller the level of noise interference. For example, if we compare the reading of -30 dBm and -100 dBm, noise interference is lower in the area than the reading of -100 dBm.

Can a Jammer be Jammed?

There is no easy solution for the average person to block a jammer. But, on the other hand, everyone can recognize a situation where someone is trying, with the help of a jammer invade the security system. The option is to find the transmitter’s location and then turn it off. But care must be taken. This is not a very safe option because one who tries to interfere with your signal certainly has no good intentions.

But if you have experience with hacking, jamming the jammer is possible. But you should know that if you block someone’s signal, you are also committing a crime, so this move is not a good idea.

When you suspect that someone is trying to tamper with your signal, it is best to report it to the authorities, who will then take it upon themselves to check it. Plus, you can make a few moves when someone tampers you with the signal, so it’s not worth getting your hands dirty with criminal acts. It’s not worth ending up in jail because of security camera interference.

What Are Laws Against Jammers?

In the U.S., it is illegal to sell or buys any type of jammers. Any device that is designed to cause wireless system disruption is illegal. Jammers pose a direct and major security threat. Preventing someone from using their cell phone when needed can cause great tragedy.

If you are interfering with someone’s wireless signal out of a joke or as a prank, you are not doing anything wrong, but you should know that this way, you can interfere with the work of emergency services located nearby. For example, jamming can cause a situation where a person in the neighborhood cannot contact 911, or emergency services cannot find the location of a person in need of emergency help on time.

What Happens If You Break One of These Laws

When it comes to fines, by using a jammer, you can have a penalty of up to $112,500. Individuals and companies may be held criminally liable for the criminal offense of wireless signal interference. If you have a jammer, we advise you to inform the police and hand it over voluntarily.

How to React If You Notice Jamming Activity?

If you think that someone is advertising, selling, using, importing, or doing research on illegal signal blockers, you must file a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission. Your first step is to contact the Enforcement Bureau. When you do that you should note…

• The time/date of the incident (it is good to keep track if there is more than one complaint)
• Retailer or Website name
• A screenshot copy of the item or item advertisement
• Name(s) of the individual operating or selling device
• Facts that support your belief that someone is using a jammer
• Evidence of advertisement/sale of the jammer

There is often a “report abuse” or “flag” tab on sales websites. If you come across a jammer while searching for stuff on such pages, you can click on that tab and report the case automatically.

It is not possible to prevent someone from using a jammer. But it is always good to be prepared for such situations and one step ahead of those who might try such a thing. One good way is to make sure that everyone adheres to the laws that prohibit the use of jammers. It is also important to always be alert. If you spot someone dealing with illegal wireless signal interference such should be reported!