What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
Thieves are constantly developing ways to bypass security systems in cars, but advanced anti-jamming technology as well as vigilant surveillance can deter these risks. Ghost immobilisers such as the CAN Phantom and the Autowatch Ghost are hidden inside the vehicle, undetectable by diagnostic scanners, and use buttons in the centre door or console to communicate, making them extremely difficult to penetrate.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A ghost immobiliser is a modern security device designed to stop car theft. Its design is discrete and it is 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 that you choose. The system will then stop your vehicles ignition until a sequence of buttons are pressed. This ensures that the vehicle cannot be started without you knowing it.
This type of system is particularly effective against modern, technologically advanced thieves. While they might be able to clone keys or steal your vehicle using a relay attack, there's no easy way to get around a ghost immobiliser.
There are many different ghost immobilisers on the market. These include CAN Phantom and Autowatch Phantom. Both are highly recommended, as they're both TASSA tested and offer unbeatable protection against key cloning and relay attacks.
In contrast to traditional alarm systems, ghost immobilisers don't send any radio signals. It's thus nearly impossible to detect with common diagnostic tools, including 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 the vehicle, and eventually result in their arrest.
Unfortunately, even the best-equipped thieves are still finding ways around security systems. Some thieves use jamming equipment to block the signal sent between an immobiliser ghost and your vehicle's ECU. Some thieves employ a technique called "spoofing" which involves sending fake messages to the immobiliser to attempt to fool it. These techniques aren't just expensive for thieves, but can also cause severe damage to your vehicle. By staying vigilant and constantly updating your security systems, you will greatly reduce the chance of your vehicle being taken away.
How Does a Ghost Immobiliser Work?
Immobilisers are among the most beneficial investments you can make to safeguard your car. It can deter thieves, and assist in recovering your car that was stolen. However, determined thieves will find ways to get around even the most robust security systems. It is essential to update your security measures on a regular basis and utilize a variety of security methods.
This is particularly true for high-end vehicles, such as Porsches and Mercedes-Benzes that are often targeted by thieves due to their value. Ghost immobilisers are an ingenuous and effective method to make it difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle, and is an excellent choice to add to other security measures like an alarm system or GPS tracking devices.
The Autowatch Ghost immobiliser doesn't require a new keypad or any LED indicators, and it is inaccessible to thieves. It connects to your vehicle's CAN system (Controller Area Network), and is programmed to a unique pin code that you choose. It is entered using buttons on the steering wheel or center console. You can choose an array of up 20 characters to give you an additional level of security. The Autowatch Ghost is TASSA-certified, which means it is recognised by official companies and insurance companies.
Ghost immobilisers can be easily turned off and back on when you need to bring your car to a repair or service. This makes them a great asset for those who drive their vehicles frequently. They are not a substitute for a keyfob, and should only be used with one.
The threat of theft from vehicles has become more sophisticated, many car owners are looking for sophisticated anti-theft strategies to secure their vehicles. In the past an immobiliser would have been enough to prevent hotwiring. However, the more sophisticated criminals are now employing innovative methods like relaying car theft. Many car owners have sought out ghost immobilisers to secure their automobiles. However thieves have always found ways to circumvent them.
How Can a Ghost Immobiliser Be Bypassed?
Ghost immobilisers are among the most effective methods to safeguard your vehicle from theft. They are designed to be compatible with a wide range of vehicles and are easily installed by a certified fitter, making it possible to have security while driving your most prized possession.
In contrast to other systems that rely on transponders or key fobs ghost immobilisers operate discrete, invisible system that works through the CAN bus in your vehicle. They can be installed without changing any original components or rewiring any wires. They are the ideal choice for car owners who want to keep their car looking good while adding a layer of safety.
If properly installed properly, a ghost immobiliser will be almost impossible to bypass. This is because they require a specific pin code sequence, which is entered by pressing various combinations of buttons already present within the vehicle. The code can be modified by the owner of the vehicle which ensures that only the driver knows how to activate the device. The likelihood of a vehicle being stolen are significantly diminished.
There are ways to bypass the Ghost Immobiliser, which is one of most effective vehicle security systems available. In some instances, there could be issues with the stop/start functionality of the ghost immobiliser. This is typically due to a wrong set-up however it could also be caused by other reasons.
A mobile app can also be used to get around an immobiliser that is ghostly. It is important to note that this method is only available when the device is in Bluetooth range and the smartphone is authorised by the owner of the vehicle. It's important to keep in mind that these apps are vulnerable to issues such as connectivity issues and faulty operation which could lead to the disarming process failing properly.
With so many car criminals becoming more sophisticated, it's essential for owners of vehicles to invest in a high-quality security system. Ghost immobilisers are a discrete effective and reliable option that can help to dissuade even the most experienced criminals by stopping them from starting your vehicle.
Countermeasures
The ghost immobiliser cannot be detectable by thieves as it doesn't use LED indicators or radio signals, nor is it connected to the key fob. Instead it is directly connected to the engine controller unit using CAN. This makes it tamperproof and impossible to take off or disable. It also helps protect against the most common methods of car theft, such as key duplicates.
Organised car thief gangs often employ diagnostics reading devices to identify cuts in circuits caused by security systems, however the ghost immobiliser is unable to be detected by this method as it doesn't involve any cuts to the circuit. It also doesn't rely on the car owner carrying their key fob to activate the system because it's activated by entering the pin code in a unique sequence that only the owner is aware of and can be changed at anytime.
A 'jammer device' is another method used by thieves to attempt to get around the ghost immobiliser. This is a device that can interfere with signals between your vehicle and the driver fob and allow them to start the engine. Advanced anti-jamming technologies and regular inspections for signs of tampering may assist in stopping this.
Ghost immobilisers are a great option to protect your vehicle from theft and can be used in conjunction with the tracking system. It is important to choose a reliable installer and supplier to ensure that the device is properly fitted and is compatible with the electrical system of your vehicle. A TASSA-certified business is the best option to guarantee quality and safety.
A ghost immobiliser fitted to your vehicle can help you save money on your insurance premium, as some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles that have this type of protection. It's worth talking to your insurer to see whether they offer this discount, and also investigating other ways to improve the overall security of your vehicle. You can take steps like locking your keys and parking in well-lit places. It is essential to safeguard your investment and be vigilant with the latest technology available to criminals.