Authorities say thieves are outwitting smart devices across Los Angeles.
In a March 4 statement from the Los Angeles Police Department, officers said Wilshire’s group Use WiFi jamming techniques Disable surveillance cameras and alarm systems that rely on WiFi.
This swarm of tech-savvy robbers in California is part of a larger “smart” crime wave occurring across the country. Last year, police in Minnesota and Connecticut issued similar warnings to residents when WiFi-jamming thieves made the rounds. These are just two of his examples among many.
The Federal Communications Commission has banned WiFi jamming devices, but that doesn’t stop criminals from buying them cheaply, KARE11 reported. WiFi jamming devices do not necessarily disable the device, but work by overloading the network to which the device is connected.
“These (jamming) devices create a traffic jam at the radio transmitters and prevent real traffic from getting through,” cybersecurity expert Mark Lanterman told the show.
“If you use a WiFi camera on your front door, consider using a hardline camera inside your home,” he said. A wired camera connected via an Ethernet cable does not rely on his WiFi network, so it will not be interrupted by WiFi jammers.
The Los Angeles Police Department also recommends hard-wired burglar alarm systems.
According to Tom’s Hardware, “smart” technology may be part of the problem, but it may also contribute to the solution. Officials recommend using timers and smart home devices to make it appear as though someone is home when you are away. Some smart home technologies also have the ability to alert users if the signal or connection is interrupted.
Tom’s Hardware also recommends connecting a surveillance device that stores camera footage directly on the device, not just a cloud storage system. By recording on the camera itself, you can save footage during Wi-Fi interruptions.
The Los Angeles Police Department also advises people to keep their doors locked, rely on neighbors to keep tabs on them when they’re out, and to report any strange activity, such as suspicious vehicles with temporary plates or dealer plates. We encourage people to
Wilshire Park is located in the heart of Los Angeles. –Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service
