In an increasingly interconnected world, a lot rides on the integrity of GPS/GNSS positioning signals. But the reality is that jamming and spoofing are two very real and significant threats to this critical location data. These dangerous tactics can distort data, compromise instrument performance and disrupt automated workflows — decimating profits and risking lives on farms, job sites and more.
The vulnerability created by this threat makes understanding the nuances of these terms essential for any organization relying on precision GNSS technology. In order to safeguard your customers’ positioning accuracy, it’s crucial to understand both the basics and the nuances of both jamming and spoofing, and why they should be on your radar as part of a preemptive strategy.
What is GPS or GNSS jamming and spoofing?
Both jamming and spoofing are forms of radio frequency (RF) interference that involve the disruption of satellite communication signals, rendering devices compromised or completely incapable of effectively receiving information. The implications can be severe, especially for systems relying on accurate position data, like GNSS or GPS.
Jamming vs spoofing: What is the difference?
Jamming is all about disruption. Its goal is to overwhelm receivers with noise or warped data, interfering with signal transmission and degrading or knocking out reception. Spoofing, on the other hand, involves deceit. It introduces false signals that mimic legitimate ones, tricking receivers into believing they are receiving accurate data and then using the illicit signals instead. This can lead to incorrect position readings, misguided actions or even system failures.
Essentially, jamming causes GNSS receivers to fail through interference, while spoofing leads them astray by feeding them incorrect information. Both present significant challenges, but their differing methodologies mean they require distinct approaches for detection and mitigation.
Visual depiction of a jammer device’s signal overpowering a GPS receiver so that the receiver cannot receive clear locational data.
Visualization of a spoofing attack on a GPS receiver, where the spoofing device’s signal hijacks the receiver into following its false positional data.
Jamming and spoofing can take a toll on GNSS equipment and systems
It’s important to consider the downstream effect that jamming and spoofing can have, as it overwhelms instruments and hardware. Constantly trying to process corrupted or deceitful signals can cause systems to overheat, reduce their lifespan or require frequent and time-intensive recalibrations.
Why the impact of jamming and spoofing on autonomous systems matters
The consequences of downtime and/or inaccurate position for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle operation in a controlled industrial environment can be costly, resulting in rework to address errors caused by vehicle disorientation and failure to follow planned routes. (This also puts crews at risk of injury.)
The stakes are even higher for autonomous passenger vehicles, since they rely heavily on GNSS data to navigate accurately and make real-time decisions. Vehicles might struggle to maintain lane discipline, veer off course or fail to recognize traffic signals or stop unexpectedly.
Spoofing poses an even more insidious threat. By feeding a vehicle's navigation system false data, spoofing can lead the vehicle off its intended path with a malicious intent — carrying with it a higher risk of collisions with obstacles, other vehicles, or staff, crew and pedestrians. Ensuring the integrity of GNSS signals is critical for the widespread adoption of AVs in any capacity.
Hackers can wreak havoc on GNSS systems with relative ease
Where jamming was once a practice requiring skilled hackers, inexpensive jammers are available on the market today. And despite them being illegal in most countries, today’s digital landscape has made them increasingly accessible — often disguised as innocuous USB sticks or car chargers. Some jammers even have multi-frequency capabilities, amplifying their disruptive potential by targeting multiple GNSS signals simultaneously. Trimble Maxwell technology includes leading signal processing techniques that monitor, analyze and remove unwanted interference.
Equally, while spoofing was once difficult to pull off, it is now easy to build a GNSS spoofer from open-source software or with low-cost components. As a result, the need for robust countermeasures has never been greater, including the use of GNSS receivers with advanced tracking algorithms to monitor and reject spoofed signals. Industry leaders must be vigilant in safeguarding their systems for use in agricultural, construction, marine, mining or open-road use.
“In response to the growing threat of spoofing, the EU has made anti-spoofing mandatory for the European Railway Traffic Management System.”
The enduring challenge of GNSS jamming and spoofing for precise positioning
The more sophisticated our world becomes, the more we risk encountering jamming and spoofing incidents that have the potential to derail critical precise positioning applications. Modern GPS or GNSS receivers must be equipped with advanced technology that is capable of detecting and eliminating unwanted signals, whether intentional or inadvertent. As these threats evolve, so too must the technology that helps mitigate these vulnerabilities.
To learn more about this topic, read our article Analyzing the effects of unintended GNSS signal interference during a solar storm.
Learn more at oemgnss.trimble.com
