GPS technology is part and parcel of our modern lives and most people cannot imagine traveling without it. Every time we type a location into our phones, we expect the GPS to identify the quickest route to our destination.
Unfortunately, this does not always happen as GPS signals are also vulnerable to cyberattacks and signal alterations due to a practice known as GPS spoofing.
So what is GPS spoofing? How does it take place and why? And can you protect against it?
What Is GPS Spoofing?
Navigation systems are designed to utilize the strongest GPS signal. GPS spoofing happens when an attacker mimics an authentic GPS signal by overriding it with a fake but stronger satellite signal. The resulting "spoofed" signal provides the receiver with an altered position, navigation, and/ or timing.
Have you ever driven to, let's say, a hospital but your GPS is showing that you are at the library? If your GPS or app has ever insisted you are somewhere that you are not, then you might have fallen victim to GPS spoofing.
How Does GPS Spoofing Work?
GPS signals are open and unencrypted which makes them easy targets for anyone who wishes to record, transmit, or alter them.
Typically, a GPS spoofing attack is carried out when an attacker uses a radio transmitter to send a counterfeit GPS signal to a receiver's antenna in order to override the original signal coming from the satellite.
Once a fake signal is broadcasted from the ground, all satellite navigators in the locality can start showing the wrong location.
Who Uses GPS Spoofing and Why?
All technologies that use satellite navigation are vulnerable to GPS spoofing. While many GPS spoofing attacks involve a single device, others can be used for more ambitious purposes involving multiple devices such as hijacking drones to interfering with ships and tanker navigation systems.
From Uber drivers tricking the app to teenagers trying to spoof their phones for Pokémon Go, there can be a plethora of reasons behind signal alterations. Here are some common reasons behind GPS spoofing.
Prevent Precise Movement Tracking
For some, it's just a matter of privacy. Many people use GPS spoofing to produce a fake GPS location to prevent any applications from precisely tracking their movements.
Hide Fraudulent Activities
GPS spoofing can be used by criminals to cover fraudulent activities like tampering with evidence or records after a crime, or faking a victim's phone signal once they've been kidnapped so they cannot be tracked.
Some criminals can also use spoofing to create mass hysteria by spoofing multiple vehicles to cause an accident.
Affect Military Operations
GPS systems were originally designed for military use and, ironically, militaries were the first ones to spoof it as well.
Many governments conduct GPS spoofing attacks on enemy nations to infiltrate hazards into their maritime activities. The military can also use GPS spoofing for tactical navigation, guided weaponry, and command and control functions.
Hide Locations From Prying Parents
Just like parents try to keep their children safe during online activities, GPS tracking provides a great way to know they're staying safe when they are exploring the wider world. However, some teenagers have found ways to spoof their GPS signals to hide their locations from prying parents.
To make matters worse, the internet is rife with easy-to-follow videos showing anyone how to spoof a GPS location.
Access Country Specific Features
Some people use GPS spoofing to alter their device's receiver so country-restricted content, features, games, or applications are accessible to them.
For example, there are some rare Pokémon that can only be found in certain parts of the world. Since traveling might not be easy, some people used to GPS spoofing to virtually place their phones in those locations.
Tips to Guard Against GPS Spoofing Attacks
Here are some tips that can help you steer clear from GPS spoofing attacks.
Hide GPS Antennas From Public View
If your business relies on GPS-based navigations systems then you might want to hide your GPS antennas from public view to curtail spoofing attacks.
Close proximity to antennas makes it very easy for attackers to override real GPS signals coming from orbiting satellites.
Add a Decoy Antenna
Installing a decoy antenna in plain view can be a great way to prevent GPS spoofing attacks.
Having multiple redundant antennas in various locations can help you identify which antenna is being targeted by attackers.
Take GPS-Enabled Devices Offline When Not in Use
Businesses and organizations that use GPS-enabled equipment should keep their equipment offline and disconnected when not in use.
Switch Your Phone to Battery Saving Mode
Is your navigation app suddenly insisting that you are at the airport while you are actually stuck in traffic? You might have fallen victim to GPS spoofing.
If you suspect that your GPS signal is being altered, switching your device to a "battery-saving mode" might help. This mode does not use satellite navigation and geolocation is based on Wi-Fi networks and cellular base stations. While the accuracy is not optimal, it does keep you safe from potential spoofing attacks.
Unfortunately, at the time of writing, there is no such battery-saving "location" mode for iOS other than the usual battery-saving mode.
As for Android users, you can activate it by going to Settings > Security & Location > Location > Mode > Battery saving.
Keep Up With Security Hygiene
Keeping up with the best security practices and hygiene is very important when it comes to mitigating GPS spoofing.
A good security hygiene routine includes regular updates and rotation of passwords, implementing two-factor authentication, and investing in network firewalls and anti-malware protection.
GPS Spoofing for Privacy?
While GPS spoofing can bring more harm than good, protecting your privacy is a legitimate use for this practice. If you know that location sharing and GPS tracking can present potential dangers or privacy issues, then using GPS spoofing can actually help.
Many security-based organizations also employ GPS spoofing for shielding expensive merchandise and for keeping the locations of their valuable clients' secret.
Do not take your privacy for granted. If you are susceptible to online surveillance, stalking, or privacy issues, then give GPS spoofing a try.
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