What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
Thieves have been devising ways to get around car security systems, but advanced anti-jamming technology and vigilant surveillance can deter these threats. Ghost immobilisers like the CAN Phantom and the Autowatch Ghost are hidden inside the vehicle, undetectable by scanners that detect them, and rely on buttons on the centre console or doors to communicate, making them very difficult to crack.
What is a ghost immobiliser?
A ghost immobiliser, a modern security system designed to stop car theft. Its design is discreet and it is hard to hack, which makes it a powerful deterrent for determined thieves.
The system is connected to the CAN data bus in your vehicle and is programmed using a unique pin code of your choice. The system will stop the ignition of your vehicle until you press series buttons, making sure it won't start without you knowing.
This kind of system is particularly efficient against thieves who are savvy to modern technology. There is no way to get around the ghost immobiliser. They might be able to clone your keys or steal your car using a relay attack.
There are several types of ghost immobilisers available on the market, including CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both are highly recommended, as they're both TASSA certified and offer unrivalled protection against relay and key cloning attacks.
In contrast to traditional alarm systems, a ghost immobiliser doesn't send any radio signals. It's thus nearly impossible to detect using common diagnostic tools, including OBD scanners. Ghost immobilisers are more difficult to disable and hack because it doesn't rely on radio signals.
Ghost immobilisers can be utilized in conjunction with other advanced security systems, like GPS tracking devices as well as physical locks. Multiple layers of security could make it harder for thieves to steal vehicles, and ultimately could result in their arrest.
Even the most sophisticated thieves continue to find ways to bypass security systems. Some thieves employ jamming equipment to interfere with the signal that is sent between an immobiliser ghost and your vehicle's ECU. Some thieves employ a technique called "spoofing" which is the process of sending fake messages to the immobiliser to try to fool it. These techniques can be costly for thieves and can cause severe damage to your vehicle. You can lessen the chance of theft by updating your security system on a regular basis and being vigilant.
How does a Ghost Immobiliser Work?
Immobilisers are one of the best investments you can make to protect your car. local ghost immobiliser installer can deter thieves, and assist in recovering the vehicle you have stolen. But determined thieves will find a way to get around even the most effective security systems. It is essential to update your security measures on a regular basis and use multiple security methods.
This is particularly applicable to high-end vehicles, like Porsches or Mercedes-Benzes. These cars are frequently targeted by thieves because of their worth. A ghost immobiliser is a discreet and effective way to make it difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle. It's an excellent option to add to other security measures like alarm systems or GPS tracking devices.
The Autowatch Ghost immobiliser does not require a new keypad, nor any LED indicators, and is not detectable by thieves. It connects with your car's CAN system (Controller Area Network) and is then programmed with a unique pin code you select. It is entered through buttons on the steering wheel or center console. You can also select one that is made up of up to 20 characters, which provides you with an extremely secure level of protection. The Autowatch Ghost is TASSA-certified, which means it is acknowledged by official organizations and insurance companies.
Ghost immobilisers are also simple to switch off and on again when you need to bring your car to the mechanic for repairs or maintenance This makes them an ideal tool for those who drive their vehicles frequently. However, they're not a replacement for a keyfob, and are only to be used combination with one.
As the threat of vehicle theft has grown more sophisticated, many vehicle owners are looking for sophisticated anti-theft strategies to secure their vehicles. While an immobiliser was once sufficient to prevent hotwiring, today's sophisticated thieves are employing new strategies like relay car theft. This has led many vehicle owners to look for ghost immobilisers as a way of protecting their vehicles but thieves are always finding ways to get around these systems.
How can a Ghost Immobiliser Be Bypassed?
Ghost immobilisers are a very effective way to protect your vehicle against theft. They are compatible with many vehicles and can be easily installed by a qualified fitter.
Ghost immobilisers, unlike other systems that work via transponders or keys fobs are a hidden, quiet system that operates via the CAN bus inside your vehicle. This means they can be installed without having to modify any of the original components or change any wires. This makes them a great option for car owners who want to add a layer of protection to their vehicle while still keeping the car looking its best.
If properly installed properly, a ghost immobiliser will be virtually impossible to disable. This is because they require a unique pin code sequence that can be entered by pressing different combinations of buttons already present 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. This means that the likelihood of stealing the vehicle are greatly reduced.
However, despite being one of the most effective forms of vehicle security available however, there are a few ways that it can be bypassed. In some cases there may be issues with the stop/start functionality of the ghost immobiliser. This is usually due to an incorrect set-up of the system, but sometimes, it could be due to other factors outside of of the system's control.
A mobile app can also be used to get around the ghost immobiliser. This method can only work if the device is within Bluetooth range and the smartphone is authorized by the owner of the vehicle. It's important to keep in mind that these apps are susceptible to issues such as connectivity issues and faulty operation, which can lead to the disarming process failing correctly.
It is essential for owners of vehicles to invest in a top-quality security solution, since car thieves are becoming more sophisticated. Ghost immobilisers are a powerful, discreet option that will deter even the most experienced criminals from starting your car.
Countermeasures

A ghost immobiliser is undetectable to thieves because it doesn't use LED indications or radio signals, nor does it connect to the key fob. Instead, it is directly linked to the engine controller unit via CAN. This makes it tamper-proof and impossible to remove or disable. It also works to protect against the most common ways of theft from vehicles like key duplicates.
Organised car thief gangs typically use diagnostics devices to detect circuit cuts made by security systems. However, the ghost immobiliser is unable to be detected using this method because it does not cause any cuts to the circuit. It doesn't depend on the owner of the vehicle having their key fob with them to activate the system since it is activated by entering a unique pin code sequence that only the owner can know and can change at any time.
Another method used by thieves to bypass the ghost immobiliser is using a device known as jammer. The device could interfere with the signals between your vehicle and the fob of the driver. It allows the vehicle to start. However, modern anti-jamming technology can help prevent this, as can constantly checking for indications of altering.
Ghost immobilisers are an excellent option to protect your vehicle from theft and can be used conjunction with an electronic tracking system. It is important to choose a reliable supplier and installer to ensure your device is installed correctly and compatible with the electrical system of your vehicle. To ensure quality and safety, a TASSA-certified company is the best option.
A ghost immobiliser fitted to your vehicle can help you reduce your insurance premium, as some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles that come with this kind of protection. It's worth talking to your insurer to see whether they have this discount, as well as exploring other ways you can improve the overall security of your vehicle. This could include locking your keys as well as parking in well-lit areas and taking other security measures. With the latest technology becoming increasingly available to criminals, it's imperative to be vigilant and protect your investment.