We use GPS systems regularly to make our lives easy. However, the same GPS systems that we use can lead us towards trouble as well. This can take place through GPS spoofing. This is why we need to have a clear understanding of our minds about what GPS spoofing is and how to protect against it.
What is GPS spoofing?
According to the definition, GPS spoofing is a type of attack where a radio transmitter located closer to the target would be used to interfere with GPS signals. When that happens, you will not be able to rely upon the GPS connection that you have. The attacker will be able to interfere and send you blank data. Then you cannot use GPS out of your device. Or else, some of the attackers are capable of sending out inaccurate coordinates. In such situations, you will believe the inaccurate coordinates that are sent on your way.
GPS spoofing technique is usually being used to lead smartphone users into trouble. For example, you will notice changes to the GPS location that is shown in the smartphone after you become a victim of GPS spoofing. Likewise, it is also possible for GPS spoofing to change the time. Similar to smartphones, cars that are equipped with GPS technology can be attacked through GPS spoofing techniques. Then those cars would show completely different locations and directions.
Different types of GPS spoofing
There are numerous GPS systems located around the world. Based on them, we can see how different types of GPS spoofing is taking place around the world. GNSS spoofing is the main domain of actors who are sponsored by the state. As per the information shared by C4ADS, it is possible to use powerful signal generators and move forward with GPS spoofing initiatives. These signal generators know how to attack the GPS signals precisely and lead them towards becoming victims of GPS spoofing. Such an attack can cost a massive loss, which would be around thousands of dollars.
However, GPS spoofing is not much common out there in the world. That’s because signal generators that are used for GPS spoofing are heavily expensive. A person who wants to proceed with GPS spoofing will have to spend a considerable amount of money and purchase a signal generator. Even after purchasing such a signal generator, it will not be possible to attack with ease. That’s because expert operators who clearly understand GPS spoofing should be present to carry forward with the attacks.
Even as such, you can find GPS spoofing taking place quite common in countries such as Russia. In fact, the politically sensitive targets located within the country often report that they became GPS spoofing victims. That’s because it is a GPS spoofing to interfere with the location data, which is located closer to such targets.
We see attackers using different technologies and measures to proceed with GPS spoofing. One of the most prominent technologies that we can see as of now is the usage of drones. It is also possible to use small personal airplanes to lead GPS spoofing attacks as well. If the attacker is located closer to the target, the cost of GPS spoofing can be minimized. That’s because a technique such as using a drone can be used.
It is also possible to use GPS spoofing as the base to carry forward cyber-attacks. This would happen when the cyber attackers are aware of the GPS device information of the target. This is where most of the smartphone users become victims of attacks. That’s because GPS spoofing can be used to override legitimate location-related information on smartphones. This can lead companies such as Uber into trouble. That’s because the drivers will be able to see fake trips created out of their trips.
How to prevent GPS spoofing?
There are some effective techniques you can use to ensure your protection against GPS spoofing. It is important to come up with appropriate security measures to protect the GPS radio signals from interference. This is a proven strategy available for you to ensure your protection against GPS spoofing. That’s because you can ensure that attackers cannot interfere with your device’s GPS signals and send you false data.
If you are running an industrial level application, it is possible to seek the assistance of military-grade systems to ensure protection against GPS spoofing. That’s because they are in a position to deliver robust protection against GPS spoofing.
In the meantime, we can see the development of the latest generation navigation satellites, which come with the ability to deliver additional protection against GPS spoofing. These satellites are designed to deliver robust protection against GPS spoofing. They are more secure, and people who use them don’t need to worry too much about anything. These systems will be able to provide location-specific information. Such location-specific information will be encrypted, and they ensure that no person can be affected.
In the meantime, we can also see how numerous digital measures are being taken to ensure protection against cyber-attacks and GPS spoofing. For example, some companies employ the basic principles of cybersecurity to ensure the protection of their systems. For example, companies such as Uber have appropriate algorithms that offer the protection needed against GPS spoofing. This is being used to understand user behavior. Likewise, the companies will use appropriately positioned antennas to reduce the risk of becoming victims through radio-based attacks. In other words, the antennas can be hidden from the public so that no one sees them.