What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
The threat of security systems for cars being hacked by thieves is real, but the use of advanced anti-jamming technology and a vigilant surveillance can help reduce the risk. Ghost immobilisers, such as the CAN Phantom and the Autowatch Ghost are hidden in the vehicle, undetectable by scanners for diagnostics, and utilize buttons in the centre door or console to communicate, making them very difficult to penetrate.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
Ghost immobilisers are modern security device designed to stop car theft. Its design is discrete and it is difficult to hack, which makes it a powerful deterrent for determined thieves.
The system is connected to the CAN data bus in your vehicle and is programmed with a unique PIN code of your choice. The system will then block the ignition of your vehicle until a set of buttons are pressed, making sure that the vehicle cannot be started without your knowledge.
This type of system is particularly effective against modern-day thieves. While they might be able to clone keys or steal your vehicle using a relay attack but there's no method to bypass an immobiliser that is ghostly.
There are a number of different ghost immobilisers that are available on the market. They include CAN Phantom and Autowatch Phantom. Both systems are highly recommended as they're both TASSA certified and offer unrivalled protection against key cloning and relay attacks.
Ghost immobilisers do not send radio signals, unlike traditional alarm systems. It's therefore virtually impossible to detect using common diagnostic tools, such as OBD scanners. Ghost immobilisers are harder to hack and disable since it doesn't rely on radio signals.
A ghost immobiliser is compatible with other security devices that are more advanced, such as GPS tracking and physical locks. By adding multiple layers of security, it will make it harder for thieves to steal your car and could eventually lead to being nabbed and eventually arrested.
Even the most sophisticated thieves find ways to bypass security systems. For instance, some criminals employ jamming devices in order to block the signal that is sent between a ghost immobiliser and your vehicle's ECU. Some thieves employ a method known as "spoofing" which involves sending fake messages to the immobiliser to attempt to fool it. These methods can be very costly for thieves and can cause severe damage to your vehicle. You can lessen the risk of theft by updating your security system on a regular basis and staying vigilant.
How Does a Ghost Immobiliser Work?
Immobilisers are among the best investments you can make to safeguard your car. It can deter thieves and assist in recovering the vehicle you have stolen. However, determined criminals will discover ways to circumvent even the most secure systems. That's why it's essential to use multiple security measures and update them frequently.
This is particularly true for high-end cars, like Porsches or Mercedes-Benzes. These types of vehicles are often targeted by thieves because of their value. A ghost immobiliser is an ingenuous and effective method to make it more difficult for thieves to get access to your vehicle, and is an excellent addition to other security measures like alarm systems or GPS tracking devices.
The Autowatch Ghost is a stealthy immobiliser that doesn't require any new keypads or LED indicators. It connects to your car's CAN (Controller Area Network) system and is programmed with an individual pin code of your choosing which you enter using buttons located on the steering wheel or centre console. You can select a sequence of up 20 characters to provide an extra level of security. The Autowatch Ghost is TASSA certified, which means it is recognized by major insurers and official companies.
Ghost immobilisers can be easily turned off and back on when you are required to bring your car to the shop for repairs or maintenance. This makes them a great asset for those who drive their vehicles frequently. However, they're not a replacement for a keyfob, and are only to be used combination 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. While an immobiliser was once sufficient to stop hotwiring, today's sophisticated thieves are employing new strategies like relay car theft. Many car owners have sought out ghost immobilisers to secure their automobiles. However thieves have always found ways around them.
How can a Ghost Immobiliser Be Easily accessed?
Ghost immobilisers are one of the most effective ways to protect your vehicle from theft. They work with a variety of vehicles and can easily be installed by a qualified fitter.
Ghost immobilisers unlike other systems that operate via transponders or keys fobs, are a silent, hidden system that works via the CAN bus inside your vehicle. This means that they can be installed without having to modify any of the original components, or rewire any wires. This makes them a great choice for those who wish to add an extra layer of security to their vehicle while still keeping the car looking its best.
If properly installed, a ghost immobiliser can be nearly impossible to bypass. This is because they require a distinct pin code sequence that can be entered by pressing different combinations of existing buttons in the vehicle. The code can be customised by the vehicle owner, which ensures that only the driver is aware of how to turn on the device. This means that the chances of stealing the vehicle are drastically decreased.
However, despite being one of the most effective methods of vehicle security, there are a few ways it is able to be evaded. In some cases there could be issues with the ghost immobiliser's stop/start functionality. This is often due to an incorrect set-up of the system, however occasionally, it could be due to a variety of other factors outside of within the control of the system.
Another method in which a ghost immobiliser can be beaten is to use an app for mobile devices to deactivate the device. This method works only when the device is within Bluetooth range, and the smartphone is authorized by the owner of the vehicle. These apps may also be prone to connectivity issues and malfunctions that could cause the disarming process to failing.
With the number of car thieves becoming more sophisticated, it's vital for vehicle owners to invest in a top-quality security system. Ghost immobilisers are an obtrusive and powerful option that can stop even the most skilled criminals by stopping them from starting your vehicle.
Countermeasures
The ghost immobiliser cannot be visible to thieves since it doesn't use LED indicators or radio signals or LED indicators, nor is it linked to the key fob. Instead, it is directly connected to the engine control unit via CAN. This makes it tamper-proof and impossible to take off or disable. It also helps protect against the most popular methods of car theft like key copying.
The gangs of organized car thieves often employ diagnostics devices to detect the circuit breaks caused by security systems, however the ghost immobiliser is unable to be detected by this method because it does not involve any cuts to the circuit. The system doesn't require the owner of the vehicle to have their key fob on it to activate it. ghost autowatch immobiliser is activated by entering a specific code sequence, which only the owner can know and alter at any time.
A 'jammer device' is a different method by which thieves try to bypass the ghost immobiliser. This is a device which can disrupt signals between your vehicle and the driver fob and allow them to start the engine. However, advanced anti-jamming technology is able to prevent this, as well as regular inspection for signs of interference.
Ghost immobilisers can be a fantastic way to deter vehicle theft. They can also be used in conjunction with an electronic tracking device. It is essential to select a reputable installer and supplier to ensure that the device is fitted correctly and compatible with the electrical system of your vehicle. A TASSA-certified business is the best option to ensure safety and quality.
Some insurance companies offer discounts on vehicles with this kind of security. It's worth talking to your insurer to determine if they offer this discount, in addition to looking into other options to increase 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 being made accessible to thieves, it's crucial to be aware and protect your investment.