A simple way to turn off Wi-Fi

It turns out to drown out a WiFi, Bluetooth or Zigbee signal is a snap. For this rather simple dongle for $ 15, which can be bought on Amazon. It connects to a computer or Raspberry Pi. The base antenna has a range of 80 meters. If you add a signal amplifier, the jammer works at a distance of approximately 120 meters.

Presentation ( pdf ) on this subject was made by security specialist Mathie Vanhoef at the recent BruCON security conference , which was held on October 8-9 in Gent (Belgium).

The author stressed that signal jammers are already actively used by attackers. For example, car thieves use portable jammers that prevent vehicle locking, as well as GPS jammers, to block the anti-theft signal (after stealing a car). Homebug thieves use such jammers to block cellular service during illegal entry into an apartment.

With the help of equipment for $ 15 carried out an attack that suppresses all equipment in range, operating in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.
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Matee Vanhouf explained that if you modify the firmware of such a dongle, the victim’s network will always give priority to packets that are transmitted from this device. If it broadcasts continuously, then everyone else loses the ability to function normally.

Attempts of selective jamming of networks to the author failed, and he came to the conclusion that selective jamming is impossible, only mass.

The attack is carried out so simply and cheaply that it can have serious consequences. First, it makes life easier for criminals who used more expensive equipment before. Secondly, it is a tool for vandals and hooligans who can jam neighbor Wi-Fi just out of harm.

In the video - the performance Vanhufa.