ORNL Develops Advanced GPS Spoofing and Jamming Detection Device

• •ORNL developed a portable GPS spoofing and jamming detection device.
• •The device can detect interference even when fake and real signals are equally strong.
• •Recent thefts underscore the need for effective GPS security solutions in trucking.

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have created a portable device capable of detecting GPS spoofing and jamming, addressing a growing concern in transportation security. The device, led by researcher Austin Albright, can identify fake GPS signals and interference even when they are equally strong, outperforming existing industry solutions. This technology is particularly relevant for commercial trucking, where GPS manipulation can lead to theft and misdirection of shipments. The device operates independently of GPS receivers, utilizing a software-defined radio and an embedded GPU for real-time analysis. Testing by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed its effectiveness, and the team is now working on making the device more affordable. Recent incidents, including the theft of two truckloads of tequila using GPS spoofing, highlight the urgency of this technology. The ORNL's research is funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Radiological Security.