GPS Spoofing and Jamming: Security threats in Aviation | PWOnlyIAS 2023

Context:

• This article is based on an Editorial “What is GPS spoofing that has misguided around 20 planes near Iran-Iraq border and ho thw dangerous is” which was published in the Deccan Herald. Recently, around 20 aircraft were misguided to enter the Iranian airspace by fake GPS signals while flying over the Iraq-Iran border.
• Then, the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration issued a memo saying that the route poses “safety risk”. 
• Also, two young doctors from Kerala tragically lost their lives after their GPS directed them into the Periyar River.

GPS Spoofing- Reason behind these Incidents

• GPS Spoofing: According to the US Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics, it is the surreptitious replacement of a true satellite signal that can cause a GPS receiver to output an erroneous position and time. 
  • Or simply, it means when a counterfeit radio signal is transmitted to a receiver antenna to counteract and override a legitimate GPS satellite signal.

Is GPS Spoofing the same as GPS Jamming? 

• GPS Spoofing is not the same as jamming. In GPS jamming, the GPS signals are jammed.
• GPS Spoofing is very different and way more threatening. 
• Planes and other aircraft regularly deal with jamming while spoofing is not a regular deal.

Also read:  NavIC Integration Into Aadhaar Enrolment Devices

How dangerous is this aircraft issue? 

• A Busy Route: UM688 is a busy route, most of the traffic from West Asia to Europe to the US route follows this route. 
• Unsafe Conflict Zone: There are active conflict zones with military activity going on and so straying off the flight plan isn’t safe.

Do Indian aircraft fly on this route? 

• India doesn’t fly airway UM688, but does overfly Iranian airspace.
• India hasn’t experienced spoofing, but experienced GPS jamming. 

Conclusion

Without no any doubt, spoofing is a serious concern, which needs to be tackled smartly and securely. There is a need to make use of GPS spoofing detection software, which warns users of spoofing instances and prevents their devices from responding to fake GPS data. There is a need to work upon frequent updates and more security, which can provide further protection.