What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
Thieves have been developing ways to get around security systems in cars, but advanced anti-jamming technology and vigilant monitoring can mitigate these risks. Ghost immobilisers, such as the CAN Phantom or the Autowatch Ghost are hidden within the vehicle and are not detected by diagnostic scanners. They communicate with buttons located on the central console as well as the doors.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A ghost immobiliser is a modern security device, is designed to prevent theft of vehicles. Its design is discrete and it is hard to hack, making it a powerful deterrent for determined thieves.
The system is connected to your vehicle's CAN data bus and is programmed with a unique PIN of your choice. The system will then stop your vehicles ignition until a series of buttons are pressed. This ensures that the vehicle can't be started without you knowing it.
This kind of system is especially effective against modern tech-savvy thieves. While they might be able to clone keys or take your vehicle with a relay attack, there's no easy method to bypass the ghost immobiliser.
There are a few different types of ghost immobilisers available on the market that include CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both of these systems are highly recommended, as they're both TASSA tested and offer unbeatable protection against relay and key cloning attacks.
Contrary to conventional alarm systems a ghost immobiliser doesn't send any radio signals. It's therefore virtually impossible to detect with common diagnostic tools, like OBD scanners. The fact that ghost immobilisers don't rely on any radio signals makes it much harder to hack or disable.
A ghost immobiliser is compatible with other advanced security devices, such as GPS tracking and physical locks. Multiple layers of security could make it harder for thieves to steal a vehicle, and ultimately lead to their arrest.
Even the most sophisticated criminals are still able to find ways to bypass security systems. For instance, some thieves employ jamming devices to interfere with the signal that is sent between a ghost immobiliser and your vehicle's ECU. Other thieves have developed a technique called "spoofing," which involves sending fake signals to the immobiliser in an attempt to fool it. These techniques can be extremely costly for thieves and cause serious damage to your vehicle. By staying alert and regularly updating your security systems, you can significantly reduce the risk of your vehicle being taken away.
How Does a Ghost Immobiliser Work?
Immobilisers are one of the most beneficial investments you can make to protect your vehicle. It stops the car from starting if an invalid code is entered alongside the key fob, and it can help to deter thieves and help you recover your vehicle after it's been taken. But determined thieves will find a way to get around even the most effective security systems. That's why it's important to implement multiple security measures and update them regularly.
This is particularly relevant to luxury cars such as Porsches or Mercedes-Benzes. These vehicles are often targeted by thieves because of their worth. A ghost immobiliser is an effective and discreet method to make it difficult for thieves to start your vehicle. It's an excellent addition to other forms of security like an alarm system or GPS tracking devices.
The Autowatch Ghost is a stealthy immobiliser that doesn't need any new LED indicators or keypads. It is connected to your vehicle's CAN (Controller Area Network) system and is programmed with a unique pin code that you can choose, which is entered via buttons in the steering wheel or centre console. You can choose any combination of up 20 characters to provide an extra layer of security. The Autowatch Ghost is TASSA-certified which means it's recognized by official companies as well as insurance companies.
Ghost immobilisers are also easy to switch off and back on again when you have to take your car in for service or repairs This makes them an excellent asset for those who drive their vehicles frequently. However, they're not a replacement for a keyfob and should only be used in conjunction with a keyfob.
Many car owners are searching for the most advanced security against theft because the threat of vehicle theft is becoming more sophisticated. In the past, an immobiliser would suffice to stop hotwiring. However, more tech-savvy criminals are now employing new tactics such as relay car theft. This has prompted many car owners to search for ghost immobilisers to use as a method to protect their vehicles but criminals are always looking for ways to get around these systems.
How can a Ghost Immobiliser Be Easily accessed?
Ghost immobilisers are one of the most effective methods to protect your vehicle from theft. They are compatible with a wide range of vehicles and can be easily installed by a qualified fitter.
Ghost immobilisers unlike other systems that operate through transponders or keys fobs are a hidden, silent system that operates via the CAN bus in your vehicle. They can be installed without changing any of the original components, or rewiring any wires. This makes them a good option for car owners who want to add a 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 virtually impossible to disable. This is because they require a specific pin code that can be entered by pressing different combinations of buttons already present in the vehicle. The code can be modified by the owner of the vehicle which ensures that only the driver knows how to turn on the device. In turn, the chance of theft of the vehicle are drastically reduced.
There are methods to get around the Ghost Immobiliser, which is one of the most efficient vehicle security systems. In some instances there could be issues with the ghost immobiliser's stop/start function. This can often be attributed to an incorrect set-up of the system, however sometimes, it could be due to other factors outside of within the control of the system.
A mobile application can also be used to bypass the ghost immobiliser. This method works only if the device is within Bluetooth range and the phone is approved by the owner of the vehicle. It's important to keep in mind that these apps are prone to issues like connectivity problems and malfunctioning which could lead to the disarming process failing properly.
It is essential for owners of vehicles to invest in a top-quality solution of security, as car thieves are becoming more sophisticated. Ghost immobilisers are an obtrusive effective and reliable option that can help to stop even the most skilled criminals by preventing them from launching your vehicle.
Countermeasures
The ghost immobiliser cannot be easily spotted by thieves since it doesn't use radio signals or LED indicators, nor is it connected to the key fob. Instead, it is directly linked to the engine controller unit through CAN. This makes it tamper proof and impossible to remove or disable. ghost 11 immobiliser works to protect against the most common methods of theft from vehicles like key copying.
The ghost immobiliser isn't detected by this method, as it doesn't involve cutting of circuits. It also doesn't rely on the car owner carrying their key fob with them to activate the system, since it is activated by entering an individual pin code that only the owner is aware of and is able to change at any time.
A 'jammer device' is another way that thieves try to evade the ghost immobiliser. This is a device which can block signals between your vehicle and the driver fob which allows them to start the engine. However, advanced anti-jamming technology can help prevent this from happening, as will regularly checking for signs of interference.
Ghost immobilisers are a great method to stop theft of vehicles and can be used conjunction with a tracking system. However, it is crucial to choose a reliable supplier and installer to ensure that your device is installed correctly and compatible with the electrical system of your vehicle. A TASSA-certified company is the best option to guarantee quality and safety.
A ghost immobiliser fitted to your vehicle could help you save money on the cost of insurance, since some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles that have this type of security. It's worth checking with your insurer to determine whether they have this discount, and also investigating other options to increase the security of your vehicle. This could include locking your keys as well as parking in well-lit areas and taking other preventative measures. It is essential to safeguard your investment and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies available to thieves.
