GPS jamming: the benign, the bad, and the scary | Flightradar24 Blog (2024)

FAQs

Is GPS jamming real? ›

GPS jamming uses a frequency transmitting device to block or interfere with radio communications, usually by broadcasting signals from the ground that are stronger than satellite-based signals.

There are two types of GPS signal interference. The first is jamming, or the transmission of strong signals compared to the legit satellite signals that overwhelm the receiver on the vessel or aircraft. The GPS receiver can't detect the PRC signal from the satellite(s) and therefore can't compute its position.

First, GPS jamming looks to overwhelm the radio signals that make up GPS and make the systems unusable. Second, spoofing attacks can replace the original signal with a new location—spoofed ships can, for example, appear on maps as if they're at inland airports. Both types of interference are up in frequency.

Amid unprecedented amounts of electronic warfare in Russia's war on Ukraine, there is no doubt that the Russians are jamming GPS and other satellite-based navigation systems around the Baltic Sea.

Most commonly, GPS blockers work over short range, and are small enough to plug into a power supply like a cigarette lighter or iPhone and block the signal to a GPS tracker installed within the vehicle co*ckpit.

Jamming and spoofing can therefore cause significant disruption and represent a public safety threat. Fortunately, spectrum monitoring allows detection and location of jammers and the possibility to pre-empt attacks with anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technologies.

The S7 Tracker Locate has been specifically designed as an anti-jamming tracker, and many individuals who have been the victim of vehicle theft, where the signal has been blocked will opt for this device.

When a GPS jammer is in use, it interferes with all sorts of telecommunications devices such as cell phones, internet networks, toll readers, and more. Not only are GPS jammers incredibly powerful, they are compact, quick to use, require low power, and are small enough to plug into a car's cigarette lighter.

GPS Spoofing Threats

GPS spoofing involves sending false signals to a GPS receiver, leading it to calculate inaccurate position information. This vulnerability can have severe implications, as it can misdirect vehicles, ships, or aircraft and compromise the safety and security of individuals and assets.

GLONASS is a global navigation satellite system, providing real time position and velocity determination for military and civilian users.

Do cruise missiles use GPS? ›

Cruise missiles use a combination of GPS, inertial guidance and terrain contour matching (TERCOM) for navigation. They are programmed with the target's coordinates and use onboard systems to adjust their flight path as needed, ensuring accuracy even over long distances.

GPS now is the core navigation system for U.S. military aircraft, vessels, vehicles, and personnel.

Jamming and spoofing attacks on GPS and other global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are becoming increasingly common as geopolitical crises escalate, creating major challenges and risks for aviation, shipping and other critical services across the world.

Federal law prohibits the operation, marketing, or sale of any type of jamming equipment that interferes with authorized radio communications, including cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS), police radar, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

The problem, as is being demonstrated every day in conflict zones such as Ukraine and Gaza, is that GPS RF signals are weak and easily jammed — or, perhaps worse, spoofed to fool users into going to or looking at the wrong place.

Check Sensor Data: Analyze the data from various sensors on the device. Abrupt and unnatural changes in location data may indicate spoofing. 2. Network-based Detection: Monitor changes in IP address along with location changes.