What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
The risk of security systems in cars being bypassed by thieves is real, however the use of modern anti-jamming technology and a vigilant surveillance can reduce it. Ghost immobilisers such as the CAN Phantom and the Autowatch Ghost are hidden inside the vehicle, and are not detected by diagnostic scanners, and use buttons on the centre console or the doors to communicate, making them very difficult to penetrate.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A ghost immobiliser is a modern security device that is designed to deter theft of cars. Its secluded design and difficult-to-hack nature make it an effective deterrent against determined thieves.
The system is connected to the CAN data bus of your vehicle and is programmed with your unique PIN code. The system then blocks the ignition of your vehicle until a series of buttons are pressed. This ensures that your vehicle isn't initiated without your knowledge.
This type of system is particularly effective against modern-day thieves. While they might be able to duplicate keys or steal your car using a relay attack, there's no easy 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 because they're TASSA-certified and offer unbeatable protection against key cloning attacks and relay attacks.
Ghost immobilisers don't emit radio signals, in contrast to traditional alarm systems. It's thus nearly impossible to detect with common diagnostic tools, like OBD scanners. The fact that a ghost immobiliser doesn't depend on radio signals also makes it much harder to hack or disable.
Ghost immobilisers work with other advanced security devices like GPS tracking and physical locks. Multiple layers of security can make it more difficult for thieves to steal vehicles, and ultimately could result in their arrest.
Unfortunately, even the best-equipped thieves are still finding ways to circumvent security systems. For instance, some thieves employ jamming devices to disrupt the signals between a ghost immobiliser and your vehicle's ECU. Other thieves have developed a technique known as "spoofing," which involves sending fake signals to the immobiliser in an attempt to fool it. These techniques aren't just costly for the thieves but can also cause significant damage to your vehicle. You can lower the risk of theft by re-evaluating your security system on a regular basis and staying alert.
How Does a Ghost Immobiliser Work?
Immobilisers are one of the best investments you could make to safeguard your car. It can deter thieves, and help you recover your car that was stolen. However determined thieves will find ways to get around even the most secure systems. This is why it's crucial to use various security measures and update them frequently.
This is particularly relevant to luxury cars such as Porsches or Mercedes-Benzes. These vehicles are often targeted by thieves due to their value. Ghost immobilisers are an ingenuous and effective method to make it difficult for thieves to start your vehicle, and is an excellent addition to other forms of security 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 is connected to your vehicle's CAN (Controller Area Network) system and is programmed with an individual pin code of your choosing that is entered using buttons located on the steering wheel or in the center console. You can select any combination of up 20 characters to provide an additional level of security. The Autowatch Ghost is TASSA verified, meaning it's recognised by large insurers and official companies.
Ghost immobilisers are also easy to turn off and on again when you need to take your vehicle to the mechanic for repairs or maintenance, which makes them a valuable asset for people who drive their vehicles frequently. However, they're not a substitute for a keyfob and are only to be used combination with one.
As the threat of vehicle theft has grown more sophisticated, a lot of car owners are looking for more advanced anti-theft solutions to protect their vehicles. In the past, an immobiliser would be enough to stop hotwiring. However, more tech-savvy criminals are now employing innovative strategies, such as relay car theft. Many car owners have scoured ghost immobilisers to secure their automobiles. However, thieves have always found ways to get around them.
How can a Ghost Immobiliser be avoided?
Ghost immobilisers are among the most effective methods to secure your vehicle from theft. They work with a variety of vehicles and can be easily fitted by a trained fitter.
In contrast to other systems that rely on transponders or key fobs to function, ghost immobilisers are a discrete, invisible system that operates through the CAN bus of your vehicle. They can be installed without changing any original components or rewiring any wires. This makes them an ideal choice for vehicle owners who wish to add an extra layer of security to their car while still keeping the car looking its best.
When properly installed an immobiliser that is properly installed can be nearly impossible to bypass. The reason for this is that they require an unique code that can only be entered by pressing different combinations of buttons on the vehicle. The code can be customized by the owner of the vehicle, which ensures that only the driver is aware of how to activate the device. cost of ghost immobiliser of a vehicle being stolen are greatly diminished.
However, despite being one of the most effective types of vehicle security available there are a few ways it is able to be evaded. In some cases there may be issues with the stop/start feature of the ghost immobiliser. This is typically caused by a bad configuration however it could also be due to other reasons.
A mobile app can also be used to bypass an immobiliser that is ghostly. However, it is important to note that this method is only available when the device is in Bluetooth range and when the smartphone is authorized by the owner of the vehicle. These apps are also susceptible to connectivity issues as well as malfunctioning, which could cause the disarming process to failing.
It's important for vehicle owners to invest in a top-quality solution of security, as car thieves are becoming more sophisticated. Ghost immobilisers are a discreet, powerful solution that can deter even the most seasoned criminals by preventing them from starting your vehicle.
Countermeasures
A ghost immobiliser is undetectable to thieves because it doesn't use LED indications or radio signals and it doesn't connect to the key fob. Instead, it is directly connected to the engine control unit via CAN. It is therefore difficult to remove, disable or alter. It is also effective in protecting against the most commonly used methods of theft from cars, such as key-cloning.
Car thief gangs that are organized frequently use diagnostics reading devices to identify the circuit breaks caused by security systems, however the ghost immobiliser is not able to be detected through this method as it does not cause any circuit cuts. It also doesn't rely on the vehicle owner having their key fob with them to activate the system, because it's activated by entering a unique pin code sequence that only the owner knows and can be changed at anytime.
Another way thieves try to circumvent the ghost immobiliser is using a device called jammer. This is a device which can disrupt signals between your vehicle and the driver fob which allows them to start the engine. Advanced anti-jamming techniques and regular checks for signs of tampering may aid in preventing this.
Ghost immobilisers can be a great way to stop vehicle theft. They can also be combined with an electronic tracking device. It is crucial to choose a reputable installer and supplier to ensure that your device is fitted correctly and is compatible with the electrical system of your vehicle. A TASSA-certified business is the best option to guarantee quality and safety.
Having a ghost immobiliser fitted to your vehicle can help you reduce your insurance premiums, since some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles that have this type of security. It is worth contacting your insurer to determine whether they offer this discount, and also looking into other ways you can improve the security of your vehicle. These include securing your keys as well as parking in well-lit areas and taking other security measures. With the latest technology becoming more available to criminals, it's imperative to be on guard and secure your investment.