SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- This riddle starts much like numerous others, manifesting in the darkness of the night.
It originated on the front porch of Jim Grubb's dwelling in San Jose, when the barking of his dog interrupted his sleep.
He indicates that after waking, they went downstairs, found the front door slightly ajar, and thought to themselves, "It appears we must have forgotten to close the door last night."
The subsequent morning unveiled new evidence. Grubb identified missing items, which included a laptop and a drone.
He indicated, "I looked at the Nest video camera mounted at our front entrance. The footage captured the burglar in the front yard, showcasing a flashlight, and at intervals, his beanie cap was discernible."
He states further, "...and while I am watching the video, I start to see these gaps emerging, and I note that I have a significant number of gaps."
The video includes gaps where it is possible we could have made out the thief's identity.
Jim contacted Nest customer support and was informed that the video doorbell had been functioning without any communication interference with the router until the incident transpired.
He conveyed, "I could hardly believe what I was hearing. Consequently, I began to research the topic and found that one can buy a tiny microcontroller. This device is capable of de-authorizing clients connected to your Wi-Fi network, which leads to interference."
The items are available at a cost of $7. Grubb has come across a wrist model priced at $50 that provides more refined control. He acknowledges that he lacks proof, yet he is worried that thieves may be interfering with Wi-Fi communications.
Google has communicated its uncertainty to 7 On Your Side, noting: "Google Nest is devoted to ensuring the privacy and security of our customers. We recognize a specific issue with the Nest Hello Doorbell, and our team is actively conducting an investigation... there is no indication that the device was intentionally tampered with."
Based in Wales, Tristan Perry is a technology blogger who has been reflecting on this issue for a while and believes that it is not especially surprising.
It is commonly accepted that Wi-Fi may suffer from various issues, such as problems with mobile devices, disruptions in Zoom calls, or pauses in Netflix streaming, as he articulated to 7 On Your Side.
The White House has sought to diminish the importance of recent sightings of enigmatic drones in New Jersey and New York. National security officials have maintained that there is "no evidence at this time that these sightings pose a threat to national security or public safety, nor do they have any foreign connections." Still, prominent legislators in the House and Senate are insisting on an explanation.
Over the last few weeks, individuals in the community have been observing and recording videos of drones, which officials maintain are commercial-grade rather than typical "hobby" drones. Eyewitness reports and official confirmations indicate that these drones can measure up to 6 feet in diameter. Recently, Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew from New Jersey fueled public anxiety by suggesting on Fox News that these drones were launched from an Iranian "mothership" off the East Coast. The Department of Defense has refuted this claim.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has conveyed his anticipation of a forthcoming classified briefing regarding the drones. Senators Cory Booker and Andy King from New Jersey, together with Senators Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand from New York, all Democrats, have issued letters to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Michael Whitaker, seeking briefings on the matter.
Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey Congressman and member of the Intelligence Committee, conveyed that he had received briefings concerning the drones over the past week. He asserted, "I do not think there is an immediate threat to public safety. However, it is crucial for the public to gain further insights."
Various videos have circulated widely, garnering tens of thousands of views on social media, prompting concerns. The situation became more alarming on Wednesday when Representative Jeff Van Drew indicated on Fox News that the drones were sourced from an Iranian "mothership" off the "East Coast of the United States."
He called for the drones to be "shot down."
Specific devices are used to interfere with drone signals (called drone jammers), but these devices are usually only used by security forces.
Large, mysterious drones reported in recent weeks flying over parts of New Jersey appear to evade detection by traditional methods such as helicopters and radios, according to a Department of Homeland Security briefing to state lawmakers on Wednesday.
In a post on the social media platform X, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes flying with their lights off. The Republican congresswoman from Morris County is one of several state and local lawmakers who have met with state police and Department of Homeland Security officials to discuss a series of sightings from the New York City area to New Jersey and west to parts of Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia.
The devices do not appear to be flown by amateurs, Fantasia wrote.
Many residents in the tri-state area may be wondering what remedies they can take.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said an investigation into last month's drone sightings is underway. He briefed DHS chief Alejandro Mayorkas by phone on Wednesday.
Authorities say they are seeking information about drone sightings and are asking witnesses to call the FBI hotline at 1-800-225-5324 or leave a tip on the agency's website.
As vigilance grows over unidentified swarms of drones -- many of which are reportedly larger than what hobbyists would acquire -- residents have been asking if they can be shot down.
The question is coming up more and more frequently as the use of drones for commercial and recreational purposes has surged. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, as of Oct. 1, there were 791,597 registered drones in the U.S. Of course, there may be others that aren't registered.
So, can you shoot a hovering drone with a gun or other projectile? The answer is no.
The FAA says it's illegal to shoot any aircraft, including drones.
A retired New Jersey fire captain recently faced criminal charges for shooting a drone that was hovering over his Florida home with a 9mm pistol. He believed the drone was spying on him. This is a Walmart delivery drone.
Shooting down a drone isn't the only way to disable it. Other methods include setting up nets and jamming drone signals.
Even if a drone flies over your property, the Federal Aviation Administration says homeowners can't control that airspace.
You can contact a professional drone removal service that can use nets and other drone jamming gun equipment to block a drone without damaging it, but it's expensive. You can file a complaint with the FAA online. Or you can report the drone to the police.
In the present-day interconnected landscape, where communication is ubiquitous, signal jammers are vital for the regulation and management of wireless transmissions. Their main function is to establish a controlled space in which certain frequencies are rendered inactive, thereby preventing communication through those specific channels.
Signal blockers have diverse applications across various sectors. In critical areas such as government buildings, military facilities, and correctional institutions, these powerful jammers are instrumental in enhancing security by obstructing unauthorized communications and preventing the remote detonation of explosives. Moreover, mobile phone signal jammers are utilized in settings like theaters, conference rooms, and examination halls to ensure that focus remains uninterrupted and fairness is preserved by blocking cellular signals.
Additionally, within educational institutions, the use of GSM signal jammers can effectively limit students' mobile phone usage during classes, thereby establishing a distraction-free learning environment. In business environments, WiFi jammers play a crucial role in preventing electronic eavesdropping and in ensuring that sensitive information is not transmitted through unauthorized channels.
The employment of RF blockers and GPS jammers is limited due to their potential interference with emergency communication systems and SOS signals. However, when used in a controlled manner, they have been shown to enhance security, privacy, and productivity in a variety of situations. By targeting specific radio frequencies, frequency jammers provide a strategic tool for the effective management of wireless communications.
Here are the main reasons why you might want to buy a signal jammer:
If one suspects that eavesdropping is occurring through a GSM bug, the use of a GSM cell phone jammer will incapacitate all listening devices and mobile phones within its range. This device also proves useful in curtailing unwanted cell phone calls during meetings or other critical periods.
For those concerned about the potential of hidden cameras invading their privacy, wireless camera blockers and radio signal suppressors serve to obstruct signals sent by cameras via radio or WiFi, ensuring a greater level of privacy.
These scenarios illustrate just a few common situations where our devices are very useful. It's important to know which frequencies need to be jammed. If you're unsure, consider a multi-range jammer, such as a cell/GPS or cell/Wi-Fi jammer, which can cover multiple signal types. Signal suppressors also vary in range. For small areas, such as a car or a small room, a compact and affordable jammer is appropriate. For larger areas, a more powerful, possibly fixed jammer is needed to ensure comprehensive signal blocking.
By acquiring the appropriate jammer, you can secure your privacy and assert control over your personal and professional surroundings.
Reflect on this scenario: You are moments away from enjoying a delicious meal at your favorite restaurant when a loud cell phone rings from the table beside you, disrupting the ambiance. The person responsible not only answers the call but also engages in a loud and meaningless exchange.
Interruptions of this nature can greatly diminish the dining experience for everyone. Patrons not only lose the chance to savor their meals but also find themselves irritated and distracted by the inconsiderate actions of others. From the ringing of cell phones to disruptive conversations, mobile devices are a major source of annoyance in public spaces. This not only affects fellow diners but also disrupts the tranquil atmosphere that restaurants work hard to preserve.
An increasing number of Americans are choosing to forgo their smartphones in favor of basic mobile phones, often labeled as "dumb phones," which are limited to making calls and sending text messages. This decision is driven by the desire to escape the distractions associated with "zombie mode." The market for dumb phones is thriving, with 2.8 million sold in the United States last year. Users of these devices report feeling more relaxed and more engaged with their immediate environment.
More individuals are now selecting feature phones to escape the overwhelming flood of notifications and the persistent urge to engage with social media. These simpler devices encourage users to be more mindful of their surroundings and enhance their personal interactions. Feature phone sales have notably increased, with 2.8 million units sold in the United States last year, indicating a rising demand for technology that is less complex and distracting.
Users of feature phones often notice an increase in mental clarity, enhanced sleep quality, and stronger relationships. The absence of ongoing distractions allows them to channel more time and energy into real-world activities and meaningful dialogues.
A variety of restaurants have integrated cell phone jammers into their operations, and customers have responded with enthusiasm, enjoying the more tranquil and intimate atmosphere. By blocking mobile signals, these venues can provide a quieter setting where diners can concentrate on their food and companions without the distractions of ringing phones and loud conversations. Many customers have expressed higher levels of satisfaction and a more enjoyable dining experience in establishments that use signal jammers to maintain a peaceful environment.