Breaking Free: Hacking Ankle Monitors For House Arrest

In 2015, security researcher William Turner, also known as Amm0nRa, discovered a way to hack a device used to track people under house arrest. These location tracking devices, typically strapped to the ankles, use GPS and other technologies to report the wearer's position to authorities. Turner found that a particular model manufactured by a Taiwanese company had a series of flaws that made it vulnerable to tampering. By placing the device in a Faraday cage, he was able to block its signals and prevent data transmission. He then created a fake phone network, allowing him to send false messages to law enforcement, making them believe the person under arrest was still confined to their home. While this hack requires technical expertise, it raises concerns about the security of such devices and the potential for criminals to exploit these vulnerabilities.

Use a Faraday cage to block signals

A Faraday cage is a container that blocks signals from going in or out. It is made from an electrically conductive material, such as copper, aluminium, or steel. The cage can be in any shape as long as it has a hollow interior. The material's thickness and solidity are important factors in its effectiveness. For example, a single layer of aluminium foil may not be enough to block signals, and multiple layers may be needed.

To use a Faraday cage to block signals from an ankle monitor, you would need to place the ankle monitor inside the cage, isolating it from the network. This would prevent the device from transmitting data to law enforcement authorities.

In addition to the Faraday cage, other components are needed to spoof the location of the ankle monitor. This includes a software-defined radio, an open-source app, and a custom script. With these tools, an individual can create a fake phone network, allowing them to tear apart the ankle monitor, extract the SIM card, and send a tamper detection warning to the spoofed network.

By obtaining the phone number associated with the SIM card, an individual can then use an online SMS spoofing service to send fake messages to the authorities, making it appear as if they are still at the monitored location.

While this method may be effective in blocking signals from an ankle monitor, it is important to note that tampering with or removing an ankle monitor without authorization is illegal and can result in severe consequences.

Create a fake phone network

To create a fake phone network, you will need to block the real telecom signal to the ankle monitor. This can be done by placing the device in a Faraday cage, which is a container that blocks signals from going in or out. A simple Faraday cage can be made with a $2 roll of tin foil. Once the device is in the Faraday cage, it can be tricked into connecting to a rogue network.

From here, the ankle monitor can be taken apart, and the SIM card removed. The device will still send a tamper detection warning, and it will think it was delivered, even though it was sent to the spoofed network. Now, the SIM card can be placed in a phone, and a text can be sent to another phone to find out the number associated with the card.

With this phone number, an online SMS spoofing service can be used to send fake messages to the authorities, making them look like they are coming from the ankle monitor, and reporting that the person under house arrest is at home, when they are actually fleeing.

Remove the SIM card

Removing the SIM card from your ankle monitor is a crucial step in disabling its tracking capabilities. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Locate the SIM card: The SIM card is typically located on the back of the ankle monitor. It is usually secured in place with screws.

Gather the required tools: You will need a small screwdriver that matches the type of screws holding the SIM card in place. Ensure you have a safe surface to place the screws on once removed, to avoid losing them.

Power off the device: Before proceeding, ensure that the ankle monitor is powered off. This is an important safety precaution to avoid any potential damage to the device or data loss.

Remove the screws: Using the appropriate screwdriver, carefully unscrew the screws holding the SIM card in place. Place the screws in a safe location.

Gently lift the SIM card: Once the screws have been removed, you should be able to gently lift the SIM card out of its slot. Take care not to bend or damage the card during this process.

Disposing of the SIM card: After removing the SIM card, you must decide what to do with it. Destroying or disposing of it properly is crucial to prevent anyone from reusing it and potentially accessing your personal information.

By following these steps, you will have successfully removed the SIM card from your ankle monitor. Remember, tampering with court-ordered electronic monitoring devices can result in legal consequences. It is always advisable to consult with a lawyer or seek professional help if you have any questions or concerns regarding the removal of your ankle monitor.

Send an SMS to reveal the SIM card number

If you're looking to find the SIM card number of your mobile phone, there are several methods you can try. However, it's important to note that the specific steps may vary depending on your device model and mobile carrier. Here are some general approaches:

• Carrier Help Code: Certain mobile carriers provide a special number that you can dial or text to receive your SIM card number. For example, T-Mobile and Sprint users can dial #NUM# (#686#) in the Phone app, while EE users can text the word "Number" to 150.
• SMS Services: Some carriers, like Jio, offer SMS services that provide you with your mobile number and plan details. In this case, you would send a specific keyword, such as "MYPLAN," to a designated number, like 199.
• Contact Your Carrier: If you're unable to find your SIM card number using other methods, you can simply contact your mobile carrier's customer support. They should be able to provide you with the number associated with your SIM card.

Other Methods to Find Your SIM Card Number:

• Check Phone Settings: On Android devices, you can usually find your SIM card number by navigating to Settings > About Phone > Status or SIM Status. On iPhones, go to Settings > Phone > My Number.
• Check Your Contacts: On both Android and iPhone, open your contacts, scroll to the top, and tap "My Card" or "My Number." Your phone number associated with your SIM card will be displayed.
• Insert SIM in a Device: Take out your SIM card and insert it into another mobile device. The new device may automatically recognise the SIM card and display its phone number in the settings.
• Call or Text a Friend: Make a call or send a text message to a friend or family member. They can then tell you the number that appeared on their device.
• SIM Card Packaging: If you still have the packaging that your SIM card came in, check the back of the package. The mobile number is often printed there.

Use an SMS spoofing service to send fake messages

SMS spoofing services allow you to send text messages from a number that isn't your own. In the context of hacking an ankle monitor, SMS spoofing can be used to send fake messages to law authorities, making them look like they are coming from the ankle monitor's number. This can be done by first obtaining the phone number associated with the ankle monitor's SIM card. This can be done by placing the ankle monitor in a Faraday cage to block its signals, creating a fake phone network, and then sending an SMS to another phone with the SIM card.

Once you have the number, you can use an online SMS spoofing service to send fake messages to the authorities, reporting that the person under house arrest is at home, while they are actually fleeing. It is important to note that SMS spoofing is illegal and can have serious consequences if discovered. Additionally, it requires technical knowledge and access to specialized equipment, such as a Faraday cage and software-defined radio, to execute successfully.

When choosing an SMS spoofing service, look for one that offers anonymity and a wide range of coverage. Some services allow you to send spoofed messages from any number, while others may have restrictions on certain countries or areas. It is crucial to use this method responsibly and only for educational or ethical purposes, as misusing it can lead to legal repercussions.

By following these steps and utilizing an SMS spoofing service, it is possible to send fake messages that appear to be from the ankle monitor, potentially allowing a person under house arrest to escape without alerting the authorities.

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