Recently, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned the global aviation industry that a cyber attack method called "GPS spoofing" is quietly on the rise, which has posed a serious threat to global aviation security. According to them, the recent increase in cyber attackers using fake GPS signals to mislead aircraft navigation systems has triggered widespread concern about aircraft safety in the industry.
The cyberattack, known as GPS (Global Positioning System (GPS) spoofing, has proliferated in recent months, and global aviation giants plan to meet in January to discuss the security issues it raises. As of early November, the international aviation consultancy Flight Operations Group (OPSGROUP) had received nearly 50 reports involving "GPS spoofing", most of which occurred in the Middle East, according to a new report released by the international aviation consultancy Flight Operations Group (OPSGROUP).
How does "GPS spoofing" happen?By sending a false GPS signal to the aircraft's flight management system, the attacker makes it impossible to distinguish the authenticity of the aircraft, resulting in deviations in the aircraft's navigation system and causing the aircraft to deviate from its original route. It is alarming that some aircraft have strayed into the airspace of other countries without permission, and if this happens, it will pose a huge risk to the global aviation industry.
Since late September this year, a number of aircraft have experienced significant deviations in their routes when flying over Iraqi-Iranian airspace, including one plane that almost strayed into Iranian airspace without permission. These incidents show that this new type of cyber attack vector has begun to pose a threat to global aviation security.
Dr. Patrick Weyette, a former captain with more than 20,000 hours of flying experience, expressed deep concern. He explained that "GPS spoofing" is not the same as "GPS interference". When GPS is interfered with, the aircraft can still receive accurate GPS signals, but navigation systems must rely on other means to determine location. However, "GPS spoofing" can lead to the complete failure of the aircraft's entire navigation system.
Patrick explained that because the Instagram will use the GPS signal to constantly update the location information, the navigation system software will be "tricked" into thinking that the fake GPS signal is correct, causing the Instagram to fail. When the navigation system software compares the fake GPS signal with other navigation signals, such as those from ground equipment, serious errors occur, and the software cannot recognize such serious errors, which will lead to the eventual destruction of the navigation system.
Todd Humphreys, director of the Radio Navigation Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin, expressed concern. He pointed out that this means that the backup ins are no longer reliable. He added that not only can fake GPS signals "spoof" GPS and INS, but the resulting inaccurate location information can also be passed on to devices such as the aircraft's autopilot, "which is very dangerous".
Patrick added that the recent "GPS spoofing" incident also showed that the aircraft's entire navigation system was attacked and the Instagram became unusable. According to the Flight Operations Group report, a plane flying from Europe to Qatar suffered "GPS spoofing" on September 9, and the crew was eventually guided by air traffic control to reach its destination. The flight route of the aircraft will pass through Turkey and Iraq. While flying from Bulgarian airspace to Turkish airspace, the aircraft received minor interference. While flying to the border between Turkey and Iraq, the aircraft's two GPS sensors failed, but it was still able to continue flying through INS. However, north of Baghdad, Iraq, the crew lost all navigation signals. Fortunately, the crew responded in time and landed at the destination safe and sound.
With the increase in "GPS spoofing" incidents, the global aviation industry is facing unprecedented challenges. In response to this security threat, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling on countries** and airlines to work together to take measures to prevent and respond to this new type of cyber attack. At the same time, the association also plans to hold a meeting in January next year to invite global aviation giants to work together on how to deal with this security threat.
In the face of growing cybersecurity threats, the global aviation industry must take action to protect passengers and crew. It is only through enhanced cooperation and joint response that the safety and stability of the global air transport industry can be ensured. In this era full of challenges and opportunities, the global aviation industry will usher in new development opportunities and challenges. Let's look forward to them working together to address this security threat and provide safer and more reliable air transport services for passengers and crew around the world."