What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
Thieves have been developing methods to evade car security systems, but advanced anti-jamming technology and vigilant surveillance can deter these threats. Ghost immobilisers, such as the CAN Phantom and the Autowatch Ghost are hidden in 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 crack.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
Ghost immobilisers are modern security device designed to stop car theft. Its discreet design and hard-to-hack nature make it a powerful deterrent to a determined thief.
The system connects to the CAN data bus in your vehicle and is programmed with a unique PIN that you choose. The system will prevent the ignition of your vehicle until you press a series buttons, which will ensure that it doesn't start without you knowing.
This kind of system is particularly effective against modern technologically-savvy thieves. While they may be able to copy keys or take your car using a relay attack, there's no easy method to bypass a ghost immobiliser.
There are a variety of various ghost immobilisers available on the market. They include CAN Phantom and Autowatch Phantom. Both are highly recommended because they're TASSA-certified and offer unbeatable security against key cloning attacks as well as relay attacks.
Contrary to conventional alarm systems ghost immobilisers don't send any radio signals. It's thus nearly impossible to detect using common diagnostic tools, like OBD scanners. The fact that ghost immobilisers don't rely on any radio signals makes it difficult to hack or disable.
Ghost immobilisers can be used in combination with other advanced security systems, like GPS tracking devices as well as physical locks. By adding multiple layers of security, it will make it harder for thieves to steal your vehicle, and could eventually lead to them being caught and detained.
However, even the most well-equipped criminals are still able to find ways to circumvent security systems. For instance, some thieves employ jamming devices in order to block 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 order to fool it. These techniques aren't just expensive for thieves but can also cause significant damage to your vehicle. By staying alert and regularly updating your security systems, you will drastically reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen.
How does a Ghost Immobiliser Function?
Immobilisers are one of the best investments you can make to protect your vehicle. It can deter thieves, and aid in recovering the vehicle you have stolen. However determined thieves will discover ways to circumvent even the most secure systems. That's why it's important to implement multiple security measures and to update them frequently.
This is particularly the case for luxury vehicles such as Porsches and Mercedes-Benzes that are often targeted by thieves due to their high value. A ghost immobiliser is a discreet and effective way to make it harder for thieves to get access to your car, and it's an excellent choice to add to other forms of security, such as an alarm system or GPS tracking devices.
The Autowatch Ghost is a stealthy immobiliser that doesn't require any new LED indicators or keypads. It connects with your car's CAN system (Controller Area Network), and is programmed to a unique pin code that you select. It is entered via buttons on the steering wheel or in the center console. ghost vehicle immobiliser can choose a sequence of up 20 characters to provide an extra level of security. The Autowatch Ghost is TASSA certified, which means that it is recognized by major insurance companies and official organizations.
Ghost immobilisers can be easily turned off and switched on when you need to take your car in for repairs or service. This makes them an excellent benefit for people who drive their vehicles frequently. However, they're not a replacement for a keyfob, and should only be used in conjunction with one.
Many car owners are searching for the most advanced security against theft because the threat of vehicle theft is growing more sophisticated. While an immobiliser used to be sufficient to stop the hotwiring process, nowadays, thieves are using new tactics such as relay car theft. Many owners of cars have sought out ghost immobilisers to secure their automobiles. However thieves have always found ways around them.
How can Ghost Immobiliser be avoided?
Ghost immobilisers can be a very effective way to safeguard your vehicle from theft. They are designed to work with a range of vehicles and can be easily installed by a certified fitter, making it easy for you to enjoy additional peace of mind while driving your most prized possession.
In contrast to other systems that rely on transponders or key fobs to operate, ghost immobilisers are a invisible, silent system that is controlled by the CAN bus of your vehicle. They can be installed without changing any of the original components, or rewiring any wires. They are the ideal option for car owners who want to keep their car looking nice while adding a layer of safety.
When properly installed properly, a ghost immobiliser will be almost impossible to bypass. This is because they require a distinct pin code that can be entered by pressing different combinations of buttons that are already within the vehicle. The vehicle owner can customize the code, making sure that only the driver is aware of how to activate it. The likelihood of a vehicle being stolen are greatly reduced.
However, despite being one of the most effective forms of security for vehicles there are a few ways it can be hacked. In certain instances there may be issues with the ghost immobiliser's stop/start function. This is typically caused by a bad configuration but it could also be caused by other reasons.
A mobile application can also be used to get around a ghost immobiliser. However, it's important to note that this method is only available while the device is in Bluetooth range and the smartphone is authorised by the owner of the vehicle. It's also important to keep in mind that these apps are vulnerable to issues like connectivity problems and faulty operation that could result in the disarming process not working properly.
With so many car thieves becoming more sophisticated, it's essential for owners of vehicles to invest in a top-quality security system. Ghost immobilisers are an effective, discrete option that will deter even the most experienced criminals from starting your car.
Countermeasures
A ghost immobiliser is undetectable to thieves since it doesn't rely on LEDs or radio signals or connect to the key fob. Instead, it is directly linked to the engine controller unit through CAN. This makes it tamper proof and impossible to take off or disable. It also assists in securing against the most commonly used car theft methods such as key-cloning.
The ghost immobiliser cannot be identified by this method since it doesn't involve circuit cuts. It also doesn't rely on the vehicle owner having their key fob to activate the system, since it is activated by entering an individual pin code that only the owner can know and can be changed at any time.
Another way thieves try to bypass the ghost immobiliser is by using a device known as a 'jammer'. This device could disrupt the signals between your vehicle and the driver's fob. It allows them to start the vehicle. Advanced anti-jamming techniques and regular examinations for indications of tampering could assist in stopping this.
Ghost immobilisers are a great method to stop theft of vehicles and can be used in combination with an electronic tracking system. It is crucial to choose a reliable installer and supplier to ensure that the device is fitted correctly and compatible with the electrical system of your vehicle. To ensure quality and safety the TASSA-certified firm is the best choice.
Certain insurers offer discounts on vehicles with this kind of security. It's worth talking to your insurance provider to find out whether they have this discount, and also exploring other ways you can improve the overall security of your vehicle. This could include locking your keys, parking in well-lit areas and taking other precautionary measures. It is crucial to protect your investment and keep up with the latest technologies available to thieves.