Please select your home edition
Edition
Navico AUS Zeus3S LEADERBOARD

Fake GPS signals detected when cruising the high seas

by Anne Ju on 31 Jul 2014
Phys.org http://phys.org/
In the 1800's moving lead lamps was a favoured method of pirates to induce ships to run aground where they could be plundered. Now it seems that fake GPS signals from 'spoofers' might become the 21st century equivalent.

Hence the need for technology to be on step ahead.


Cruising the Mediterranean aboard a superyacht, a Cornell professor and grad student took their Global Positioning System (GPS) research to the high seas. For four days in late June, they tested the newest version of their GPS 'spoofing' detector, which allows them to differentiate between real or fake GPS signals – a technology that could lead to protection strategies against insidious GPS hackers.

Mark Psiaki, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and graduate student Brady O'Hanlon spent a week aboard the White Rose of Drachs, a privately owned luxury superyacht, testing their second-generation detector as the boat set out from Monaco, cruised around Italy, and eventually landed in Venice.

A spoofer, a device that produces false GPS signals that a receiver mistakes for real ones, was invented at Cornell by Todd Humphreys, Ph.D. '08, now an assistant professor of the University of Texas at Austin. Humphreys tested his latest spoofer aboard the same yacht last year; this year, Psiaki and O'Hanlon joined for a follow-up experiment to see if they could outsmart the spoofer.

Humphreys' spoofer and Psiaki's detector have drawn interest from the public as well as federal government officials, who in 2012 allowed a GPS spoofing demonstration involving a 'hijacked' mini drone at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

Aboard the yacht in international waters, the Cornell and UT Austin teams were free to conduct their research unhindered; on land, it's very difficult to get permission to hack a GPS signal, even for research purposes, Psiaki said.

Stationed in different areas of the boat, Humphreys' team initiated a planned 'attack' of the boat's GPS receiver, overlaying a disguised false signal on top of the real one, and attempting to send the boat off-course without generating any obvious warning signs.

Psiaki and O'Hanlon's job was to detect these false signals, through real-time analysis of their properties, and to provide protection against a would-be attack by issuing a definitive warning whenever false signal characteristics were uncovered.

The experiments proved the functionality of their second-generation detector and allowed them to pinpoint areas in need of improvement.

In one dramatic test, the yacht's GPS receiver was spoofed into believing that it was veering off course to Venice and heading to Libya at a very high speed. The Cornell detector was able to warn the White Rose's bridge crew about the attack before the yacht was 20 meters off course.

'We want to progress to the point where not only can we tell it's a false signal, but we can also say, 'Here is the true signal; here is the true position,' Psiaki said.

The owner of the White Rose of Drachs, an anonymous businessman with whom Humphreys became connected through a conference in Austin, allows the boat to be used for scientific purposes during off seasons.

Psiaki will share results about the superyacht experiments at the Institute of Navigation's GNSS+ conference in September in Tampa, Explore Further

Provided by Cornell Phys website

Pantaenius Sail 2025 AUS FooterSydney International On-Water Boat Show 2025Sea Sure 2025

Related Articles

Sam Haynes eyes third Rolex Sydney Hobart win
The CYCA Commodore and defending champion will return for the race's 80th edition Sam Haynes, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) and defending Overall champion of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, will return for the race's 80th edition.
Posted today at 6:27 am
The International Masters Regatta renamed
To honor late founder, Don Trask The 2025 International Masters Regatta, which as of October 14, 2025 has been officially renamed the Don Trask International Masters Regatta, is set to return to San Diego Yacht Club October 17-19.
Posted today at 5:57 am
Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race Day 6
Counting down the miles The Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race (S2A) is now into its fifth day and the crews of two boats are counting down the miles to the finish line as they look forward to arriving into Auckland, thoughts turn to what they will do on arrival.
Posted today at 12:12 am
America's Cup: ACP's Brave New World
A look at the still secret Huxley-like Brave New World now in place for the America's Cup It is often said that you read a new set of rules twice. The first time to see what they say, and a second much longer read, to see what isn't said. This is our analysis from the second read of the media statement issued Wednesday.
Posted on 15 Oct
Yachting Malta Coastal Race
A perfect prelude to the 46th Rolex Middle Sea Race The Yachting Malta Coastal Race, organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, provided a thrilling variety of conditions for an international fleet — a fitting appetizer ahead of the 46th Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Posted on 15 Oct
Women's Match Racing & The Magenta Project partner
The Magenta Project will be named as an Official Charity Partner of the Women's WMRT The Women's WMRT today announced a new strategic partnership with The Magenta Project, the award-winning global charity founded in 2015 to promote and build greater equity and inclusion for women in the sport of sailing and the wider marine industry.
Posted on 15 Oct
America's Cup: Partnership Agreement reached
The clock is now ticking to the close of entry period on the 31st October 2025 Establishing a bold new governance structure bringing all participating teams in the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup together to govern and grow the America's Cup collectively.
Posted on 15 Oct
2025 Aloha Classic Grand Final day 1
Strong performances and early signals in the world title race The 2025 Aloha Classic Grand Final, presented by WINDSURF AI, opened in classic Ho'okipa conditions, with steady trade winds and clean mast high set waves, setting the stage for the Challenger Rounds.
Posted on 15 Oct
LGT Wealth Management Australia Cup Weekend 1
Marcus Blackmore's Hooligan had a cleansweep of the TP52 results The LGT Wealth Management Australia Cup combining TP52 Australia and Super 40 racing commenced this weekend from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.
Posted on 15 Oct
2025 Australian Sailing Awards Finalists Announced
Volunteers and sailing stars from around the country have been named A stellar line-up of clubs, volunteers and sailing stars from around the country have been named as national finalists for the 2025 Australian Sailing Awards.
Posted on 15 Oct