Do you have a doorbell camera at your front door? Chances are the answer is yes. In a world increasingly embracing smart technology, security devices such as doorbell cameras have become household must-haves. However, in the shared driveways of Palmdale, California, and beyond, these nifty little gadgets are curiously amiss in action.
Credit: Ring
Decoding the unseen
Jamming devices, as it turns out, could indeed interfere with the functionality of your digital doorbell camera. These tools work by emitting radio frequency signals that block or disrupt the communication between your camera and its receiver, rendering it temporarily nonfunctional. But how can you detect if such a device is being used?
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How to detect jamming attacks on security cameras using noise levels
The noise level in the immediate vicinity where the security cameras are installed can hint at possible interference. It’s measured in dBm (decibel-milliwatts), where a lower number suggests less noise interference, while a higher dBm value means more noise interference.
Using a decibel meter could help homeowners determine if there is any unusual activity or fluctuation in the noise level around a doorbell camera that could indicate jamming. Here is one device that we recommend.
Tadeto Decibel Meter
Credit: Tadeto
The Tadeto Decibel Meter is a handy device that measures the sound level in any environment. It can measure from 30dB to 130dB, which covers the range of normal conversation to loud noise. The meter has a large LCD display with a backlight, which makes it easy to read in dark or bright conditions. It’s portable and lightweight and comes with a battery and a carrying case. At the time of publishing, this product had over 1,200 global ratings, with 71% giving it 5 stars.
How to use a hidden device detector to find jammers
You can also use a hidden device detector to scan for any radio frequency signals around your camera. The hidden device detector is a device that can detect Wi-Fi jammers. It has an LED display that shows the signal strength and a sound alarm that beeps faster when the signal is stronger.
Here is one device we recommend.
BTFDREEM Hidden Device detector
BTFDREEM Hidden Device Detector uses magnetic field detection and RF signal detection. You can use this product to scan for any Wi-Fi jammers in your vicinity. WiFi jammers emit radio signals at the same frequency as your Wi-Fi network, disrupting communications between your Ring device and its servers. At the time of publishing, this product had over 6,800 global ratings, with 86% giving it 5 stars.
Get BTFDREEM Hidden Device Detector
Remember, Wi-Fi jamming is illegal and regularly scrutinized by the FCC. Anyone suspecting their doorbell camera is being jammed should contact the FCC Enforcement Bureau immediately, providing any information and evidence they can gather.
Safeguarding your virtual gateway
A sturdy and secure internet connection is the backbone of any IoT device, which is a thing that can connect to the internet and communicate with other things, Ring cameras included. Think of it like the supply line in a battle – without it, even the best weapons are of no use. Carol’s predicament underscores the importance of ensuring a strong and fortified internet network. And there are a few steps homeowners can take to do this.
- Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords. It will help you to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords that a hacker could never guess.
- Be sure to keep your devices updated.
- Use a separate network for your IoT devices, like your digital doorbell cameras, can provide an added layer of security. IoT devices can communicate with other devices on the same network, such as your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. However, some IoT devices may have weak security features or vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access or control them remotely. This could compromise your privacy and data.
- One way to protect your IoT devices is by isolating them from other networks. This means setting up a separate Wi-Fi network specifically for your internet-connected devices and not allowing any other traffic on this network.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Being vigilant and proactive about home security is more crucial than ever. Follow my tips to give yourself some peace of mind when it comes to your home tech. If you think someone is messing with your security camera in any way, be sure to take the necessary steps I mentioned above right away to stop it from happening.
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