The Wachmann project is transforming WLAN routers into alarm systems that can detect burglars based on their MAC addresses. In Germany, there are over 100,000 home burglaries each year, according to data from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). While experts believe that a professional alarm system could deter many burglars, the high cost of such systems often deters homeowners and renters. The Wachmann project aims to provide a solution to this problem. It is a technology that can detect burglars using WLAN signals. The project is a collaboration between the University of Bonn, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and the Osnabrück Police Directorate. The project is funded by the German government with 1.1 million euros.
Wachmann can identify burglars based on the MAC address of their smartphone, which is a unique identifier that is automatically transmitted to the router even if the device is not authenticated on a WLAN. The system defines a fixed perimeter, such as an apartment or property, for monitoring. The owners also register their smartphone’s MAC address with Wachmann. If a previously registered smartphone is connected to the WLAN, the system assumes that one of the residents is at home. If an unknown MAC address is detected, Wachmann assumes that it is a visitor and does not trigger an alarm. However, if no previously authenticated smartphone is connected to the WLAN, Wachmann triggers an alarm when an unauthorized device enters the security area.
Wachmann can also track the escape routes of criminals, but this requires a dense network of corresponding networks in the neighborhood that can detect the MAC address of the fleeing burglar. However, Wachmann can be bypassed by software that randomizes MAC addresses. To prevent the creation of movement profiles of individuals, MAC addresses are anonymized, and transmission in plaintext only occurs in extreme cases.
