You would be surprised how many devices rely on a GPS signal for their proper operation. You’d be even more surprised to find out how easy it is to disrupt that signal and cause utter chaos.
If you have a newer smartphone, or some other advanced mobile gizmo like a tablet, then it probably has a GPS in it.
GPS = Global Positioning System. It’s a network of satellites that send out a signal. The signal from the satellites is read by a GPS gizmo, which uses the combined signals from several satellites to pinpoint your location on the globe: your latitude, longitude, elevation, and even your direction and speed.
The GPS may seem like a toy: Maps applications and navigation are really handy, but you still do the driving. My GPS has helped me locate businesses and people, taking me right to the very spot I want to go. That’s much easier than trying to memorize a map or writing down a string of directions.
Turn left at the big white barn and then turn right where the old oak tree once was . . .
The GPS signal is really weak. It’s basically a lightbulb in space. That presents a problem because it’s relatively easy to disrupt the signal. In fact, according to this article, a $30 gizmo can do the job.
The gizmo is used by people who need to disrupt the signals for various nefarious reasons. The example cited in the article is truckers who want to disrupt their company’s tracking system so that they can sneak off their routes — or something like that.
I can see the advantage: If you know you’re being tracked, why not disable the GPS? Get a little freedom. The problem is that GPS tracking units are just one of many common things we use that need a GPS signal to operate properly.
According to the article, your cell phone also uses the GPS signal to coordinate the timing between itself and the cell tower. Pagers use GPS. ATMs use GPS. Emergency services in every city use GPS. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that few cities even hand out maps to their fire, police, and paramedics departments.
Yet all that can be plunged into chaos thanks to a $30 gizmo.
The problem, cited in the article, is that there is no backup or redundancy for a GPS system should the signal fail. The article (linked above) mentions alternatives being discussed. Hopefully they’ll be implemented soon. Until then, things could get screwy with those $30 gizmos, as well as the potential for terrorists and other troublemakers who eventually realize how easy it is to reign chaos with the GPS.
