ADT Home Security Settlement
ADT home security is facing a class-action lawsuit. The plaintiffs allege that ADT failed to disclose wireless sensors' vulnerability to evasion and jamming.
Why should you care? Although this settlement is for ADT, this is a vulnerability all wireless security systems face.
Let's talk about wireless technology for a second. All home Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to hacking. Companies developed several wireless protocols to protect home wireless networks (keep uninvited guests off your network, encrypt your data, etc.), but they are still hackable.
Encryption Protocols
The encryption protocols used to protect home wireless networks include WEP, WPA, and WPA2. You can do things to make it harder to hack these protocols, such as changing default Wi-Fi network names and setting complex passwords, but that still doesn't mean they're foolproof. Don't believe us? Check out how easy it was in this article from TrendMicro.
Home Alarm Jammers
Another way that wireless home security systems can fail is home alarm jammers. It exists to block the radio signals that allow the sensors and keypad monitor on your home security system to communicate with one another. If the sensors can't talk to the monitor, a burglar can open a window or door without triggering an alarm.
Monitoring Services
Finally, many wireless home security systems don't include monitoring services in their costs. It makes the system less expensive, but it also means that your alarm will not notify the police and fire department in an emergency.
There are lots of advantages to wireless technology, don't get us wrong. Wireless technology has made it possible for home security systems to be easier to install and use our cell phones to see who is at the front door. It's impressive stuff, but don't let slick commercials and ads for DIY home security lull you into a false sense of safety.
