What Is a Deauth Attack? How Thieves Disable Security Cameras
Wi-Fi doorbells such as Ring and Nest have become a staple in home security. They promise peace of mind, showing you live footage of your doorway to deter thieves. Up until now this has been an effective security method, but doorbell footage has started going missing, and deauth devices are responsible.
What is a Deauth Attack?
A Wi-Fi deauthentication attack, otherwise known as a deauth, is a denial-of-service (DoS) attack that disables the connection between a device and your home Wi-Fi.
Normally deauth technology is used in tech circles as a way to test wireless environments, or how well a new smartphone or a wireless chip is going to function. But in recent years we have seen a rise in deauth tools being used illegitimately, often by the general public. These devices often look like small watches and can be purchased online for as little as £22, and are used to temporarily disable the connection between your device and home Wi-Fi.
How Do Deauthers Affect My Home Security?
Video doorbells like Ring detect motion, send you movement alerts, and provide a livestream of your front door by connecting to your home Wi-Fi. When in range of your doorbell a deauth watch disables this connection, leaving thieves to act undetected. Criminals don’t need to know your Wi-Fi password - they simply exploit a gap in how current Wi-Fi protocol manages connections.
Deauth attacks are widespread but not widely understood. That’s why education and bolstering your current home security is extremely important. At The Cyber Helpline, we receive reports that suggest a deauth attack might have taken place, but the term “deauth” is not typically mentioned when reporting. Instead we receive reports like:
“My devices have come off the Wi-Fi.”
“Somebody was outside my house but the doorbell seemed to be off.”
How Do I Secure My Video Doorbell?
If you have a video doorbell camera at home or you are considering buying one, there are some steps you can take to increase your security:
Make sure you set a strong, unique password that is not used elsewhere.
Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) in the doorbell app.
Regularly check for software updates for the doorbell app.
Use a Wi-Fi router and doorbell that supports WPA3.
Consider purchasing a video doorbell that uses an Ethernet cable to connect to the internet and does not rely on a Wi-Fi connection.
Look for video doorbells that have local storage so even if your camera goes offline, your footage is not lost.
Use your doorbell alongside other security measures which are natural deterrents for thieves i.e. well-lit front/back doorways, burglar alarms, a secure place for delivery, such as a postbox or locker.
Refer to the doorbell manufacturer for further guidance on protecting your doorbell camera.