What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
The risk of security systems for cars being hacked by thieves is real, but the use of modern anti-jamming technologies and vigilant monitoring can reduce it. Ghost immobilisers, such as the CAN Phantom and the Autowatch Ghost are hidden within the vehicle, unnoticeable by scanners that detect them, and rely on buttons on the center console or the doors to communicate, making them difficult to penetrate.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A ghost immobiliser is a modern security system that is designed to prevent car theft. Its design is discrete and is extremely difficult to hack, making it a formidable deterrent to determined thieves.
The system connects to your vehicle's CAN data bus and is programmed with a unique PIN of your choosing. The system will stop your vehicle's ignition until you press a series buttons, ensuring it can't start without your knowledge.
This kind of system is particularly efficient against thieves who are savvy to modern technology. There is no way to get around the ghost immobiliser. They could be able to duplicate your keys or even steal your car using a relay attack.
There are several types of ghost immobilisers on the market, including CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both are highly recommended as they're TASSA-certified and provide unbeatable security against key cloning attacks as well as relay attacks.
Ghost immobilisers do not transmit radio signals, as opposed to traditional alarm systems. It's therefore virtually impossible to detect with common diagnostic tools, like OBD scanners. Ghost immobilisers are harder to disable and hack because it doesn't make use of radio signals.
Ghost immobilisers work with other advanced security devices like GPS tracking and physical locks. Multiple layers of security could make it harder for thieves to steal a vehicle, and ultimately could result in their arrest.
However, even the most well-equipped thieves continue to find ways around security systems. Some thieves employ jamming equipment to block the signal sent between an immobiliser ghost and your vehicle's ECU. Other thieves have developed a technique called "spoofing," which involves sending fake signals to the immobiliser to try to fool it. These methods are not just costly for the thieves but can also cause significant damage to your vehicle. You can lessen the risk of theft by re-evaluating your security system frequently and being alert.
How Does a Ghost Immobiliser Work?
An immobiliser is one of the most effective car security measures you can invest in. It can deter thieves, and aid in recovering your car that was stolen. However, determined thieves will find ways to bypass even the best systems. This is why it's crucial to implement multiple security measures and to update them regularly.
This is especially applicable to high-end cars, like Porsches and Mercedes-Benzes, that are often targeted by thieves due to their high value. Ghost immobilisers are a discreet and effective way to make it difficult for thieves to get access to your vehicle, and is an excellent option to add to other security measures, such as alarm systems or GPS tracking devices.
The Autowatch Ghost immobiliser doesn't require a new keypad, nor any LED indicators, and it is not detectable by thieves. It is connected to your vehicle's CAN (Controller Area Network) system and is programmed with a unique pin code that you can choose that is entered using buttons on the steering wheel or on the centre console. You can choose any combination of up to 20 characters for an extra layer of security. The Autowatch Ghost is TASSA certified, which means it's recognized by a number of insurers and official companies.
Ghost immobilisers can be turned off and back on when you are required to bring your vehicle to a repair or service. This makes them a valuable asset for those who drive their cars frequently. They are not a replacement for a keyfob, and is best used with one.
Many car owners are searching for a more sophisticated anti-theft system since the threat of theft from vehicles is growing more sophisticated. In the past the immobiliser could have been enough to prevent hotwiring. However, more tech-savvy criminals are now employing innovative methods like relay car theft. Many car owners have sought out ghost immobilisers to safeguard their automobiles. However thieves have always found ways around them.
How can a Ghost Immobiliser be repelled?
Keep Reading can be an extremely effective method to safeguard your vehicle from theft. They are designed to be compatible with a variety of vehicles. They can be easily installed by an approved fitter, making it easy for you to enjoy additional peace of mind when driving the car you love.
In contrast to other systems that rely on transponders or key fobs, ghost immobilisers are a discrete, invisible system that works through the CAN bus of your vehicle. They can be installed without modifying any of the original components, or rewiring any wires. This makes them a great choice for those who want to add a layer of security to their vehicle while still keeping the car looking its best.
Ghost immobilisers are almost impossible to bypass if installed correctly. This is because they require a specific pin code sequence that is entered by pressing different combinations of buttons already present within the vehicle. The code can be modified by the vehicle owner, which ensures that only the driver is aware of how to turn on the device. The chance of the vehicle being stolen are significantly diminished.
However, despite being one of the most effective types of security for vehicles there are a few ways it is able to be evaded. In some instances, there may be problems with the ghost immobiliser's stop/start feature. This is usually due to an incorrect set-up of the system, but occasionally, it could be due to other factors outside of the scope that the system is able to control.
A mobile application can also be used to bypass the ghost immobiliser. However, it's important to remember that this method is only available while the device is in Bluetooth range and when the smartphone is authorized by the owner of the vehicle. It's also important to keep in mind that these apps are vulnerable to issues with connectivity and faulty operation, which can lead to the disarming process failing correctly.
With so many car thieves becoming more sophisticated, it is essential for car owners to invest in a high-quality security system. Ghost immobilisers are a discreet and powerful option that can dissuade even the most experienced criminals by preventing them from launching your vehicle.
Countermeasures
A ghost immobiliser is undetectable to thieves because it doesn't use LED indications or radio signals or connect to the key fob. Instead it is directly connected to the engine controller unit via CAN. This makes it tamperproof and impossible to remove or disable. It also helps in securing against the most commonly used car theft methods such as key-cloning.
The gangs of organized car thieves often employ diagnostics devices to detect circuit cuts made by security systems, however the ghost immobiliser is unable to be detected through this method since it does not cause any cuts to the circuit. The system doesn't require that the car owner have their key fob on them in order to activate it. It is activated by entering a specific code sequence that only the owner knows and alter at any time.
Another method for thieves to get around the ghost immobiliser is using a device known as"jammers". This device can interfere with the signals between your vehicle and the driver's fob. It allows them to start the vehicle. Advanced anti-jamming technologies and regular checks for indications of tampering could help prevent this.
Ghost immobilisers are a great way to stop vehicle theft. They can also be combined with the aid of a tracking device. It is important to choose an experienced installer and provider to ensure that the device is fitted correctly and compatible with the electrical system of your vehicle. To ensure safety and quality an TASSA-certified business is the best option.
A ghost immobiliser fitted to your vehicle can help you reduce your insurance premium, as some insurers offer a discount for vehicles that have this type of protection. Find out from your insurer if this discount is available. Also, think about other ways to improve the security of your vehicle. These include securing your keys and parking in areas that are well-lit and taking other precautionary measures. With the latest technology becoming increasingly available to criminals, it's imperative to be vigilant and protect your investment.