https://www.tomshardware.com/networking/wi-fi-jamming-to-knock-out-cameras-suspected-in-nine-minnesota-burglaries-smart-security-systems-vulnerable-as-tech-becomes-cheaper-and-easier-to-acquire Skip to main content (*) ( ) Open menu Close menu Tom's Hardware [ ] Search Search Tom's Hardware [ ] RSS US Edition flag of US flag of UK UK flag of US US flag of Australia Australia flag of Canada Canada * * Reviews * Best Picks * Raspberry Pi * CPUs * GPUs * Coupons * Newsletter * More + News + PC Components + SSDs + Motherboards + PC Building + Monitors + Laptops + Desktops + Cooling + Cases + RAM + Power Supplies + Peripherals + Overclocking + 3D Printers + About Us Forums Trending * AMD Ryzen 7 8700G * Nvidia RTX 4080 Super * Intel 14th-Gen Raptor Lake * PCIe 5.0 SSDs When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. 1. Networking Wi-Fi jamming to knock out cameras suspected in nine Minnesota burglaries -- smart security systems vulnerable as tech becomes cheaper and easier to acquire News By Mark Tyson published 12 February 2024 Police believe a string of nine robberies in Edina have used this tech. * * * * * * * Comments (40) Security camera (Image credit: Google / Nest) A serial burglar in Edina, Minnesota is suspected of using a Wi-Fi jammer to knock out connected security cameras before stealing and making off with the victim's prized possessions. Minnesota doesn't generally have a reputation as a hotbed for technology, so readers shouldn't be surprised to hear that reports of Wi-Fi jammers used to assist burglaries in the U.S. go back several years. PSA: even criminals use technology, and more are now catching on -- so homeowners should think about mitigations. Edina police suspect that nine burglaries in the last six months have been undertaken with Wi-Fi jammer(s) deployed to ensure incriminating video evidence wasn't available to investigators. The modus operandi of the thief or thieves is thought to be something like this: * Homes in affluent areas are found * Burglars carefully watch the homes * The burglars avoid confrontation, so appear to wait until homes are empty * Seizing the opportunity of an empty home, the burglars will deploy Wi-Fi jammer(s) * "Safes, jewelry, and other high-end designer items," are usually taken A security expert interviewed by the source publication, KARE11, explained that the jammers simply confused wireless devices rather than blocking signals. They usually work by overloading wireless traffic "so that real traffic cannot get through," the news site was told. Security camera (Image credit: Ring) Jamming wireless security devices is a growing trend Searching back through news reports concerning burglaries where Wi-Fi jammers have / may have been used surfaces plenty of prior evidence of this practice. A Ring community post about one of the firm's wireless doorbells missing a porch thief after being subjected to a Wi-Fi deauthentication attack was posted back in January 2020. It is also easy to find reports of burglars using Wi-Fi jamming technology over 2021, 2022, and 2023 - with reports becoming more frequent over time. We mention Ring as one of the firms that popularized video doorbells to solve multiple home security concerns, but other wireless smart home security products from Blink (Amazon) and Nest (Google) will also be vulnerable to wireless signal jamming. Worryingly, Wi-Fi jamming is almost a trivial activity for potential thieves in 2024. KARE11 notes that it could buy jammers online very easily and cheaply, with prices ranging from $40 to $1,000. Jammers are not legal to use in the U.S. but they are very easy to buy online. eBay wireless jammer listings (Image credit: eBay wireless jammer listings) Before we go, there are a few suggestions given to those now wondering about the efficacy of their home security systems with wireless components. Firstly, physically connect some of the devices which allow for a wired connection and local storage of footage. Secondly, utilize smart home technology that makes it appear that someone is at home. Your device may also have the ability to send alerts when the signal / connection is interrupted, and playing with those settings might be worthwhile. Stay on the Cutting Edge Join the experts who read Tom's Hardware for the inside track on enthusiast PC tech news -- and have for over 25 years. We'll send breaking news and in-depth reviews of CPUs, GPUs, AI, maker hardware and more straight to your inbox. [ ][ ]Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands[ ]Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors[Sign me up] By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Mark Tyson Mark Tyson Social Links Navigation Freelance News Writer Mark Tyson is a Freelance News Writer at Tom's Hardware US. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason. More about networking Toothbrushes Security firm now says toothbrush DDOS attack didn't happen, but source publication says company presented it as real AWS Amazon's new AWS charge for using IPv4 is expected to rake in up to $1B per year -- change should speed IPv6 adoption Latest GTX Titan Nvidia's original GTX Titan benchmarked 11 years later -- $1,000 card now 'barely usable' in modern titles, often beaten by AMD's sub-$200 RX 6400 See more latest > TOPICS Security Smart Home See all comments (40) [ ] 40 Comments Comment from the forums * kanewolf Admin said: A serial burglar in Edina, Minnesota is suspected of using a Wi-Fi jammer to knock out connected security cameras before stealing and making off with lots of loot. Such techniques are increasingly popular with criminals. Wi-Fi jamming to knock out cameras suspected in nine Minnesota burglaries -- smart security systems vulnerable as tech becomes cheaper and easier t... : Read more Shocking!!! WIFI is not a reliable network for critical use. Shocking!!! Reply * peachpuff Poe for the win! Reply * USAFRet As I've been saying from Day 1....No WiFi "security cameras" All of mine are hardwired. Reply * kanewolf Maybe we can use UDP on WIFI for even LESS reliability !!! Reply * pointa2b Another example of why wired networking is superior. Reply * hotaru251 security should ALWAYS have a failsafe. You can have wifi security so long as its got a non online backup. Reply * why_wolf hardwired for the win. Reply * sadsteve USAFRet said: As I've been saying from Day 1....No WiFi "security cameras" All of mine are hardwired. Yep, I wired all of mine on the last house I lived in. Always been leery of using WIFI for security equipment. Reply * bourgeoisdude POE generally costs more. But that's because it is better. Reply * just_the_facts Admin said: A serial burglar in Edina, Minnesota is suspected of using a Wi-Fi jammer to knock out connected security cameras before stealing and making off with lots of loot. Such techniques are increasingly popular with criminals. Wi-Fi jamming to knock out cameras suspected in nine Minnesota burglaries -- smart security systems vulnerable as tech becomes cheaper and easier t... : Read more If they are recording to somewhere else and not sd card ! 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