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Source– This post on GPS spoofing is based on the article “Israel used GPS spoofing against Iran: Did US do it to India in Kargil war?” published in “The Business Standard” on 19th April 2024.
Why in the News?
Israel reportedly used GPS spoofing against Iran’s missile targeting teams by jamming Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation signals.
About GPS spoofing
1. About: GPS spoofing which is also known as GPS simulation, involves broadcasting false GPS signals to deceive a GPS receiver.
2. By tricking the receiver, it believes it is located somewhere it is not, resulting in inaccurate location data.
3. This cyberattack undermines the reliability of GPS data, affecting navigation, time synchronization, and other applications.
2. How GPS Spoofing Works:
a) GPS spoofing takes advantage of the weak signal strength of GPS satellites.
b) GPS satellites send signals that Earth-based receivers analyze to determine their location by calculating the time it takes for these signals to arrive.
c) Fake GPS signals, being stronger, can easily overpower the weak authentic signals, resulting in inaccurate location data on the receiving device.
d) Attackers gain knowledge of a victim’s GPS setup and transmit counterfeit GPS signals that mimic the authentic ones.
3. Real-World Implications:
a) Misleading navigation systems can lead vehicles on incorrect routes to the wrong destinations.
b) Deception in location-based apps can affect services like ridesharing and food delivery, causing delays and inefficiencies.
4. How to protect against GPS spoofing:
a) Understand the risks and keep abreast of the latest GPS spoofing threats.
b) Implement techniques to authenticate GPS signals.
c) Combine GPS data with other sensor inputs (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes) to enhance accuracy.
d) Detect and counteract attempts to jam signals.
e) Advocate for legal measures to tackle GPS spoofing.
