Jam today? TÜV SÜD helps to secure GPS systems against attacks

Munich. Jammers used for military exercises or private purposes block out GPS signals and thus cause interference in technical devices and infrastructure. Reports on the vulnerability of GPS systems to these signals are increasing, and scenarios of malfunctioning aircraft landing systems or gaps in emergency response systems are rife. The experts at NavCert, a company of the TÜV SÜD Group, are familiar with the subject – and can offer assistance. They carry out in-depth examination of the quality of GPS devices, validating, testing and certifying GPS systems. A very important aspect in this context is interference immunity.

"Attempts to develop jamming equipment are as old as global navigation satellite systems", says Martin Grzebellus, Managing Director of NavCert GmbH. In military exercises, the use of jammers has long since become routine. Today, compact 'noise jammers' which drown out GPS signals are mass-produced and have become affordable to private individuals, although their use is prohibited in Germany. The next generation of jamming equipment comprises 'GPS spoofers' which send out fake navigation signals.

Against this backdrop, can mobile phones and GPS car navigation systems really offer reliable function and what are the consequences of this trend for critical areas of infrastructure including energy supply, telecommunications and emergency response equipment. "While we must not ignore the risks involved in jamming, effective protection is indeed available," points out Grzebellus. NavCert carries out in-depth validation, testing and certification of the quality of GPS systems, also focusing on the vulnerability of GPS systems to interference and jamming. The military sector notes high demand for anti-jam systems to block out interference from jammers. These techniques may also be adapted for civil applications. "We are engaged in numerous research projects aimed at identifying and validating ideal solutions, and are working intensively on further improving interference immunity. For example, we are involved in the development of the first German Public Regulated Service (PRS) receiver prototype, the 'Bayerischer Sicherheitsempfänger' or BASE', explains Grzebellus. Anti-jam techniques in common use today include the use of directional antenna which locate interference sources, causing the receiver to reject signals coming from this direction. Another option involves complex receivers that identify jammers on the basis of their signal intensity and block them automatically. "While not feasible for consumer products because of their costs, these systems may indeed provide a solution for safety-critical systems and critical infrastructure", explains the NavCert Managing Director.

Suppliers of technical equipment and systems based on GPS can have the interference immunity of their products certified by NavCert. Grzebellus: "This creates confidence among potential users and offers a clear advantage over competitors." Another starting-point for using NavCert's services can be damage analysis. "We are happy to advise clients right from the outset during the design and development phases, helping manufacturers to save time and money and stay ahead on the market.“

The NavCert experts deal with all relevant GNSS (GNSS = Global Navigation Satellite System) systems and are also engaged in the establishment of Galileo, Europe's navigation system. "Galileo and GPS will complement each other, thus providing mutual fallback arrangements that improve the probability of delivering correct information in spite of jamming", assesses Martin Grzebellus.

For further information about services related to navigation systems go to www.tuev-sued.de/navcert.