Satellite navigation and tracking via GPS have become a key part of the world’s fast-growing logistics and freight ecosystem. Companies use GPS to track trucks to get them to their destinations on time and keep their cargo safe. It is no wonder then that criminals are turning to cheap GPS jamming devices to loot cargo on the road and at sea, a growing problem, but with a new generation of security technology designed to overcome the threat of jamming, the situation may improve.
If you’re not a criminal mastermind or secret agent, then let’s start at the beginning to understand. The core problem with any system that uses GPS is that the signal is extremely weak, this is because the signal is severely attenuated over long distances. A jammer works by suppressing the GPS signal by emitting a signal on the same frequency, just a little stronger than the original signal to be effective. Typical jammers used to hijack cargo are able to jam frequencies up to 5 miles away, rendering GPS tracking and security devices (such as those used by trucking groups) completely useless.
In Mexico, jammers are used in around 85% of truck thefts. In the United States, statistics are more difficult to obtain, but there is no doubt that such devices are widespread and used extensively, even on the battlefield, where Russia, for example, is currently using the technology to jam commercial aircraft in Ukraine.
As we have reported, the proliferating commercial drone sector has also been the target of attacks. Drones often rely on GPS for navigation and security tracking, which makes them particularly vulnerable to attack. Drones equipped with alternate methods still often rely on GPS for positioning, navigation and stabilization, making jammers a way to shoot down drones and potentially cause harm to life and property. During a light show in Hong Kong in 2018, a jamming device caused 46 drones to fall from the sky, raising public awareness of the issue and regulatory attention.
Technology is emerging to combat the problem. A company called infiniDome has developed an anti-jamming solution that is compatible with almost all GPS-based telematics devices, a generic term for the technology used by trucking companies to track and monitor their assets on the road. protection and improved immunity to interference. By identifying and preventing the occurrence of interference, fleet operators are able to prevent cargo theft.
Other companies, such as Sepentrio, are also taking the issue of GPS interference in drone applications seriously, offering integrated sensor solutions.
Meanwhile, the government is hoping to fight back through regulation, although this may be a losing battle. Mexico passed an anti-jamming law at the end of 2020 that allows for 12-15 years in prison for those who use such devices in the commission of crimes.
However, this has not helped and jammers are still widely available online and can be bought for as little as US$50.
