I was told, by another alarm company, the IQ Panel 2 Plus is more susceptible to hacking because it runs Android OS. Any thoughts on this statement?
Thanks.
I was told, by another alarm company, the IQ Panel 2 Plus is more susceptible to hacking because it runs Android OS. Any thoughts on this statement?
I would personally think the statement is misleading and possibly uninformed.
The OS version for the IQ Panel 2+ is fixed at Android 5.1.1. Android is not one size fits all. The Qolsys OS is not using all the same software services included in other android platforms, so many of the same vulnerabilities do not apply. Known vulnerabilities are patched.
Qolsys indicates that the newer Android fixes are back-ported onto Qolsys system software. It’s updated along with Qolsys software releases when those come out (about every other month). Signaling is encrypted.
With regard to platform security, Power G sensors utilize encrypted, multichannel, frequency hopping spread spectrum RF. They represent the gold standard for wireless security.
A system with unencrypted sensors is probably easier to “hack” by spoofing transmitter ids. Even that is rare and takes special equipment to pull off.
Ultimately I’d say the Qolsys represents the best balance of security and automation features. (I don’t recommend enabling bluetooth, but it is optional)
Keep in mind that while we feel the Qolsys IQ Panel 2+ currently represents the best option for new system users, Surety provides service and support for any Alarm.com compatible panel.
Thank you for the information.