Welcome back, aspiring cyberwarriors!
In our previous article on anti-drone warfare, we discussed the topic of jamming. Based on observations from the Russian-Ukrainian war, jamming is not only a legitimate electronic warfare technique but also a highly effective one. One notable incident involved Ursula von der Leyen’s plane, which was reportedly affected by suspected Russian GPS jamming. Furthermore, there have been numerous instances where weapons made by either Russia or the U.S. missed their targets due to GPS jamming. To further explore this issue, I would like to introduce a tool that visualizes GPS/GNSS disruptions affecting aircraft worldwide – GPSJam.
What Is GPSJam?
GPSJam.org is a website that offers information about GPS interference experienced by aircraft around the world. It utilizes data from ADS-B Exchange, a crowd-sourced flight tracking platform, to create daily maps that show areas likely to experience GPS interference. These maps are based on aircraft reports regarding the accuracy of their navigation systems.
It’s worth mentioning that GPSJam focuses not solely on GPS but also on GNSS in general. GNSS, or Global Navigation Satellite System, is a broad term that refers to any satellite navigation system capable of providing global coverage. This category includes various satellite-based positioning systems. Examples of GNSS include GPS (Global Positioning System) from the United States, GLONASS from Russia, Galileo from the European Union, and BeiDou from China.
How Does It Work?
Most aircraft are typically equipped with a device known as ADS-B Out, which stands for “Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast.” This system allows a plane to share its location, speed, and altitude with air traffic control and other aircraft in the vicinity. Additionally, it serves as a vital navigation tool that assists planes in approaching for landing.
Flight professionals and enthusiasts use specialized equipment to receive this information and relay it to flight-tracking websites like ADS-B Exchange. These platforms then visualize the flight data on interactive maps.
When aircraft utilize ADS-B Out, they not only transmit their position but also indicate the accuracy of that position. According to the tool provider, “when there is interference with their GPS, the uncertainty goes up.” Therefore, greater interference leads to decreased accuracy. Conversely, when there is little or no interference, the accuracy improves. Essentially, ADS-B Exchange collects data on the accuracy of an aircraft’s position. The tool provider aggregates this information over a 24-hour period and organizes it into hexagon sections, assigning different colors to represent varying levels of accuracy.
Get Started with GPSJam
To begin investigating where Russians or others conduct jamming, we should simply open https://gpsjam.org/ in our browser.
One of the most valuable functions is filtering by a date. But keep in mind that historical data only goes back to 14 February 2022.
Additionally, there are further settings that enable filtering by location and traffic threshold.
GPSJam clearly demonstrates GPS/GNSS interference; however, it’s important to note that some output data on this website may not be solely due to jamming. GNSS interference could also result from hardware issues in aircraft, as well as from weather conditions.
Summary
Jamming represents the forefront of cyber warfare. Tools like GPSJam can help identify areas experiencing jamming without the need for additional hardware or security clearance.
If you are a dedicated OSINT investigator, consider exploring this tool, as it may enhance your work. Furthermore, if you’re new to the field of Open Source Intelligence, check out our OSINT training.
Source: HackersArise
Source Link: https://hackers-arise.com/open-source-intelligence-osint-explore-gps-gnss-jamming-around-the-world/