‘SPOOFING’ GPS SECURITY AND HOW TO ENSURE
Maria Simsky, Technical Writer at Septentrio
As technological advances make GPS/GNSS devices more affordable, our lives are becoming increasingly dependent on precise positioning and timing. Industries such as survey, construction and logistics rely on precise positioning for automation, efficiency and safety.
22 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019
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NSS time provides the pulsating heartbeat for the backbone of our industry by synchronising telecom networks, banks and the power grid. A single day of GNSS outage is estimated to cost $1 billion in the US alone. GNSS is a reliable system, and to keep it as such professional GNSS receivers need to be wary of all possible vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Using GNSS receivers which are robust against jamming and spoofing is key for secure PNT (positioning, navigation and time).
What is GPS/GNSS spoofing? Radio interference can overpower weak GNSS signals, causing satellite signal loss and potentially loss of positioning. Spoofing is an intelligent form of interference that makes the receiver believe it is at a false location. During a spoofing attack a radio transmitter located nearby sends fake GPS signals into the target receiver. For example, a cheap SDR (software-defined radio) can make a smartphone believe it’s on Mount Everest!
Why GPS spoofing? Imagine a combat situation. Clearly, the side that uses GPS/GNSS technology would have an advantage over the side that does not. But what if one side could manipulate GPS receivers of their adversary?
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