Global Positioning System (GPS) Spoofing
Why In News?
- Recently a committee has been set up by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to keep an eye on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) spoofing in Indian airspace.
In the context of GPS spoofing:
- Attempting to change the initial location of a GPS-enabled device is known as GPS spoofing.
- GPS spoofing sends false data to the receiver to distract traffic, goods or people with false information.
- GPS spoofing involves a radio transmitter focused on a target, which interferes with the actual GPS signals being transmitted.
- GPS signals are often weak and are transmitted via satellites.
- A strong radio transmitter can be used to disregard a weak signal and send invalid coordinates and information to the receiver.
GPS System: 
- The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based radio-navigation system consisting of a constellation of satellites broadcasting navigation signals and a network of ground stations and satellite control stations used for monitoring and control.
- It is used to give location information as well as to keep accurate time.
Difference between GPS spoofing and GPS jamming:
- GPS spoofing is not the same as jamming. In GPS jamming, GPS signals are jammed, whereas in GPS spoofing these signals are not jammed.
- GPS spoofing is very different and more dangerous than GPS jamming.
- Airlines and other aircraft regularly suffer from jamming problems, whereas spoofing poses no regular problems.
- Compared to GPS jamming, spoofing is more difficult to detect.
Increasing cases of GPS spoofing:
- Cases of GPS spoofing involving commercial and airline aircraft in Iranian airspace are increasing.
- The navigation systems of about 20 passenger planes flying over Iran have been interfered with by fake GPS signals.
- These signals destroyed the aircraft’s built-in navigation system, resulting in the rapid loss of all navigational capabilities.
Other important points:
- Without any doubt, spoofing is a serious concern that needs to be dealt with smartly and safely.
- GPS spoofing requires the use of detection software, which warns users about spoofing instances and prevents their devices from responding to fake GPS data.
- In this context, there is a need to work on continuous updates and more security, which can provide more security.
Source – The Hindu
