Protecting Your Radio Network from Unauthorized Use and Compromised Devices
Motorola Solutions has long been synonymous with secure, mission-critical communications. As radio systems become more interconnected and data-driven, the ability to protect these networks from unauthorized access, misuse, or theft is vital. That’s why MOTOTRBO™ digital radios include a suite of access-based safety and security features that ensure your system remains locked down, resilient, and under your complete control.
These capabilities, available on specific MOTOTRBO models including the XPR series, R series (R2, R5, R7), and Ion smart radios, provide multi-layered protection for private systems, fine-grained access control, and rapid response tools to deactivate stolen or rogue radios.
Restricted Access to System (RAS): Keeping Unauthorized Radios Out
Introduced in Software Release 2.2
Compatible with most MOTOTRBO repeaters and subscriber radios, RAS is designed to prevent unauthorized users from transmitting through your repeater, protecting the integrity of your radio network.
RAS Features
RAS Key Authentication: Each radio and repeater is assigned a unique RAS key (6–24 characters).
Radios encode their transmissions with this key; repeaters will only accept valid transmissions, ignoring any radio with the wrong or missing key.
Radio ID Range Check: The repeater is programmed only to recognize transmissions from approved radio ID ranges. Even if a user has the correct RAS key, they won’t be able to access the system unless their Radio ID falls within the authorized list.
When used together, these two layers provide a robust and flexible access control method, ensuring only legitimate users can operate on your system.
Subscriber Access Control (SAC) on Capacity Max Systems
Exclusive to Capacity Max Systems
SAC brings enterprise-grade user permissions to your radio network. It defines which users can access the system, which services they can use, and which sites they can operate from – allowing administrators to tailor the radio experience based on roles or departments.
Control Services Per Radio
Initiation Permissions: Includes Group/Individual Voice and Data Calls, Emergency Calls, Remote Monitor, Telephone Calls, and Broadcast features.
Receive Permissions: Radios can be restricted in what they receive, such as voice calls, remote monitor commands, and more.
This granular access control not only improves security but also helps optimize radio traffic, reduce misuse, and maintain operational hierarchy across your teams.
Stun / Revive: Temporarily Disable Compromised Radios
Sometimes a radio falls into the wrong hands – or begins malfunctioning. With Stun and Revive, system administrators can quickly and remotely disable a specific radio, ensuring it cannot access or interfere with your network.
Stun
Sent via the control channel or from a wireless console/radio, the command tells the device to stop processing calls.
The radio can still send GPS updates and roam across the system for recovery, but all call capabilities are suspended.
Revive
The radio can be brought back online with a command from the system or reprogrammed over USB. This flexibility makes Stun an excellent tool for temporary deactivation in theft or suspected misuse scenarios.
Radio Kill: Permanent Disablement for Rogue or Stolen Radios
For ultimate protection, the Radio Kill function ensures that a compromised radio can be permanently removed from service – rendering it inoperable even if it’s powered on.
Radio Kill Highlights
- Sent through a voice console or application.
- Disables all hardware functions, including channel knob, buttons, display, and over-the-air communication.
- Cannot be reversed through OTA commands – only a certified Motorola Depot can un-kill the device.
- Remains visibly in “Killed” state when powered on.
This feature is ideal for large organizations or government agencies that cannot afford the risk of rogue radios being used to infiltrate or disrupt operations.
Why These Features Matter
Today’s two-way radio systems are more than just voice communication tools – they’re connected endpoints in your broader security and operations ecosystem.
That means any compromise to access could result in:
- Unauthorized communications disrupting critical workflows
- Malicious users tracking operations or intercepting sensitive transmissions
- Unsecured devices are being used to access location data or transmit false information
Motorola’s access-based safety features are designed to give organizations the tools and control needed to prevent these threats, without requiring complex infrastructure or third-party integrations.
Radio Models Supporting These Features
| Feature | Compatible Radio Models |
| RAS & ID Range Check | All MOTOTRBO digital radios (XPR, R-Series, Ion) |
| SAC (Capacity Max) | Radios used on Capacity Max systems |
| Stun / Revive | All MOTOTRBO digital radios (via Capacity Max) |
| Radio Kill | All MOTOTRBO digital radios (console-based) |
How MCA Helps Secure Your Radio Network
As a trusted Motorola Solutions partner, MCA offers expert configuration and deployment of RAS, SAC, Stun/Revive, and Radio Kill capabilities across your MOTOTRBO fleet.
Our team ensures:
- Proper setup of RAS keys and radio ID ranges
- Subscriber roles are defined and managed within the Radio Management software
- Console-based tools for real-time monitoring and remote deactivation
- System training for authorized personnel on how to manage threats quickly
Secure. Resilient. In Your Control.
Motorola’s access-based safety features ensure your radios work only for you – and never against you. Whether you’re securing a school campus, utility grid, or critical manufacturing operation, MCA and Motorola MOTOTRBO help ensure operational integrity with every transmission.
Contact MCA today to implement advanced access controls across your radio system and safeguard your communications infrastructure with confidence.
About MCA
MCA is one of the largest and most trusted technology integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives.
More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace. As your trusted advisor, we reduce the time and effort needed to research, install, and maintain the right solutions to make your workplace better.
Our team of certified professionals across the United States delivers a full suite of reliable technologies with a service-first approach. The MCA advantage is our extensive service portfolio to support the solution lifecycle from start to finish.
