GPS threats are increasing at a record rate

The increasing number of global conflicts is compromising the reliability of GPS systems, as a rise in interference attacks affects extensive regions in Europe and the Middle East, leading to considerable disruptions for the civilian population. Concurrently, there is a growing trend of criminals utilizing jammers for activities such as drug trafficking, cargo theft, and other illicit operations in North America. In recent years, sporadic incidents of GPS jamming and spoofing have caused significant disruptions at major American airports. Furthermore, ordinary citizens in the United States are now acquiring inexpensive retail jammers, driven by concerns over privacy and the proliferation of anti-government conspiracy theories.

Security analysts have long cautioned about the risks associated with targeted attacks on GPS, which could potentially disrupt essential systems such as the financial infrastructure, power grid, air traffic control, and emergency services. Nevertheless, alongside the increasing demand for the establishment of backup systems for GPS, there exists another significant concern that requires attention.

The United States requires an immediate implementation of an automated national detection system capable of identifying GPS interference as it happens, along with delivering precise real-time maps indicating the locations of the interference.

The absence of a synchronized, real-time, high-accuracy jamming and spoofing detection system represents a significant deficiency in our satellite navigation capabilities, rendering American government, commercial, and emergency operations susceptible within their own territory.

Tracking emitters

Identifying the precise origin of an interference attack, specifically the emitter, is essential for implementing swift and effective countermeasures, including the deactivation of the jammer to reinstate navigation services.

Identifying the emitter aids in pinpointing the precise location of the interference, determining where it is likely to have the most significant impact, and assessing which assets are most vulnerable.

Nevertheless, pinpointing emitters with traditional ground-based sensors can prove to be quite challenging. A fundamental issue arises from the fact that jammers frequently operate with low-power signals, which are inherently more difficult to detect from afar and may bounce off various structures such as buildings, vehicles, and trees. Additionally, mobile jammers tend to relocate frequently, complicating tracking efforts. Advanced jammers further complicate matters by employing countermeasures like omnidirectional antennas and frequency hopping, thereby hindering triangulation efforts.

A detection system utilizing smartphones would significantly enhance the quantity of sensors monitoring the emitter. A comprehensive network of detection points would facilitate the rapid and precise identification, verification, and centralization of information regarding signal location in real time, even if the emitter relocates. Previous observations have demonstrated that extensive networks of mobile devices can deliver real-time monitoring of the ionosphere, thereby improving positioning accuracy.