What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
The threat of security systems in cars being hacked by thieves is real, but the use of modern anti-jamming techniques and a constant monitoring can lessen the chance of this happening. Ghost immobilisers like the CAN Phantom or the Autowatch Ghost are hidden within the vehicle and cannot be detected by diagnostic scanners. They communicate using buttons on the centre console as well as the doors.
What is a ghost immobiliser?
A ghost immobiliser is a modern security system that is designed to prevent car theft. Its subtle design and secure nature make it a formidable deterrent to a determined thief.
The system is connected to the CAN data bus in your vehicle and is programmed with a unique PIN of your choice. The system will then stop your vehicle's ignition until a sequence of buttons are pressed. This ensures that your vehicle isn't started without your knowledge.
This kind of system is especially efficient against thieves who are savvy to modern technology. While they may be able to duplicate keys or take your vehicle using relay attacks but there's no method to bypass the ghost immobiliser.
There are a variety of 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.
Ghost immobilisers do not emit radio signals, in contrast to traditional alarm systems. It's therefore nearly impossible to detect using common diagnostic tools, such as OBD scanners. Ghost immobilisers are more difficult to disable and hack because it doesn't make use of radio signals.

Ghost immobilisers are compatible with other advanced security devices like 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 thieves are still finding ways around 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 is the process of sending fake messages to the immobiliser in order to attempt to fool it. These techniques aren't just costly for the thieves but can also cause significant damage to your vehicle. You can reduce the chance of theft by updating your security system on a regular basis and staying vigilant.
How Does a Ghost Immobiliser Work?
An immobiliser is among the most effective security measures you can purchase. It prevents the vehicle from starting if an invalid code is entered along with the key fob. In addition, it can in preventing theft and restoring your car after it has been stolen. But determined thieves will find ways to get around even the most effective security systems. That's why it's essential to employ multiple security measures and to update them frequently.
This is especially true for high-end vehicles, such as Porsches and Mercedes-Benzes that are frequently targeted by thieves due to their high value. A ghost immobiliser can be a subtle and effective way to make it more difficult for thieves to steal your car. It's an excellent addition to other security measures, such as GPS tracking devices or alarm systems.
The Autowatch Ghost is a discreet 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 using an individual 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 additional level of security. The Autowatch Ghost has been TASSA-verified which means that it has been recognised by official companies and insurance companies.
Ghost immobilisers are also easy to turn off and on again when you want to take your vehicle to the mechanic for repairs or maintenance they are a valuable asset for people who frequently drive their cars. They are not a replacement for a keyfob and is best used with one.
The threat of vehicle theft has grown more sophisticated, many car owners are seeking advanced anti-theft options to safeguard their vehicles. While immobilisers were once enough to stop the hotwiring process, nowadays, thieves are using new tactics like relay car theft. Many car owners have sought out ghost immobilisers to protect their vehicles. However the thieves have always found ways around them.
How can Ghost Immobiliser be repelled?
Ghost immobilisers are one of the most effective methods to protect your vehicle from theft. They work with a variety of automobiles and can be fitted by a trained fitter.
Ghost immobilisers, unlike other systems that operate via transponders or keys fobs, are a hidden, silent system that works via the CAN bus within your vehicle. They can be installed without altering any original components or rewiring any wires. They are the best option for those who want to keep their vehicle looking nice while adding a layer of safety.
If properly installed an immobiliser that is properly installed can be virtually impossible to disable. This is because they require a specific pin code sequence that is entered by pressing different combinations of buttons that are already in the vehicle. The code can be customized by the owner of the vehicle which ensures that only the driver knows how to turn on the device. The likelihood of a vehicle being stolen are significantly decreased.
There are methods to get around the Ghost Immobiliser, which is one of most effective vehicle security systems available. In some cases there may be issues with the stop/start feature of the ghost immobiliser. This is usually due to a mis-set-up of the system, but sometimes, it could be due to a variety of other factors outside of of the system's control.
A mobile application can also be used to get around an immobiliser that is ghostly. This method is only effective if the device is within Bluetooth range and the phone is approved by the owner of the vehicle. It's also important to bear in mind that these apps are prone to issues like connectivity problems and malfunctioning which could lead to the disarming process not functioning correctly.
With ghost vehicle immobiliser becoming more sophisticated, it is essential for owners of vehicles to invest in a top-quality security system. Ghost immobilisers are an effective, discrete option that can deter the most experienced criminals from starting your vehicle.
Countermeasures
The ghost immobiliser cannot be detectable by thieves as it does not utilize the use of LED indicators or radio signals or LED indicators, nor is it linked to the key fob. Instead, it is directly linked to the engine controller unit via CAN. It is therefore impossible to remove, disable or tamper with. It also helps protect against the most popular methods of theft from vehicles like key copying.
Car thief gangs that are organized often employ diagnostics reading devices to identify circuit cuts made by security systems, however the ghost immobiliser is unable to be detected through this method since it doesn't involve any cutting of circuits. It doesn't depend on the car owner carrying their key fob to activate the system as it is triggered by entering the pin code in a unique sequence that only the owner can know and can change at anytime.
A 'jammer device' is another way that thieves try to evade the ghost immobiliser. This is a device that can interfere with signals between your vehicle and the driver fob, allowing them to start the engine. However, the latest anti-jamming technology is able to prevent this, as well as constantly checking for signs of tampering.
Ghost immobilisers are an excellent option to protect your vehicle from theft and can be used combination with a tracking system. It is crucial to choose a reliable installer and supplier to ensure your device is properly fitted and compatible with the electrical system of your vehicle. A TASSA-certified company is the best choice to ensure safety and quality.
Some insurance companies offer discounts to vehicles that are covered by this type of protection. It's worth talking to your insurer to determine whether they offer this discount, and also exploring other ways you can improve the security of your vehicle. You can take precautions such as locking your keys and parking in well-lit places. With the latest technology becoming increasingly accessible to thieves, it's essential to be aware and protect your investment.