GPS tracking technology plays a huge role in modern-day vehicle safety and fleet management. But with every safety invention comes the development of systems to bypass the technology. In this case, we are referring to signal interference through the use of GPS jamming devices.
GPS jamming devices have been around for many years, mainly utilised by the government. The technology has since become accessible to civilians, which poses a threat to vehicle owners, individuals, and society at large.
Today, we give you insight into the overall effects of GPS jamming and how we, as Cartrack, have tools in place to help mitigate this issue.
In this article, you will:
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Get a detailed explanation of what GPS jamming is
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Find out how GPS jammers are used by different people
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Learn how businesses and individuals can protect themselves from GPS interference
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Discover the Cartrack solutions that help combat the issue of signal jammers
What is GPS jamming?
GPS jamming describes the process of using a radio frequency (RF) transmitting device to deliberately block or interfere with GPS signals that are used for navigation, timing, and positioning. These RF-transmitting devices are called GPS jammers.
GPS jammers emit stronger signals with the same frequency as GPS satellite signals. Once emitted, they create noise to confuse the GPS receiver, resulting in the GPS being “blind,” unable to see the satellites and give accurate location data. Think of it as someone shouting over a quiet conversation. The device can’t “listen” to the GPS satellites because the jammer is “shouting” over the same frequency.
Governments initially created the devices for military use and spy agencies to confuse the enemy. They later became available to the general public, with some individuals using them to protect their privacy by preventing other people from being able to track them or hack their data. However, when placed in the wrong or untrained hands, signal jammers can severely disrupt communications, affecting businesses, vehicle tracking data, the recovery of vehicles, or even airport radio towers.
The different types of GPS jammers
Signal-jamming devices come in various shapes and sizes and are easy to operate. They vary according to the intended use and range. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three common types of jammers:
- Portable jammers
As the name suggests, portable jammers are small and can fit into your pocket. They might resemble everyday gadgets such as cellphones and USB chargers. They typically feature one or two small antennas and are commonly used to block cellphone signals.
- Vehicle jammers
These are larger than portable jammers and are designed to conceal the location of vehicles. They have internal or external antennas and can connect to the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Stationary jammers
Stationary jammers were initially created for fixed locations and are the largest compared to the other two. They look like routers, and they are weather-resistant for outdoor use. They have multiple antennas that are very noticeable and often come with additional hardware for mounting the device.
Who uses GPS jammers and why?
GPS jammers are used by people with different motives. Let’s have a look at the various reasons why people get them:
- Car thieves
It is no secret that vehicle theft is one of the major public safety concerns in Namibia. Criminals are always finding new ways to bypass safety-focused technology. They use GPS jamming devices to conceal the location of stolen vehicles, making it difficult for most vehicle tracking companies to perform recoveries.
- Employees and drivers
In logistics, some operators may use jammers to manipulate route times or hide detours. This leaves the fleet manager unaware of unauthorised activities. These detours may be personal trips or side jobs to make extra money while on the road.
- Personal privacy concerns
Some individuals use GPS jamming devices to protect their privacy. An example of this is how GPS jammers can be used to prevent drone surveillance or data capture.
- Smuggling operations
Criminals also use GPS jamming devices to hide the movement of illicit goods, such as illegal weapons. This prevents authorities from being able to trace them and buys time so they can go as far as possible while undetected.
- Cybersecurity attack
The world has become increasingly reliant on technology, making individuals and organisations vulnerable to cyberattacks. In April 2024, an article by Wired reported that planes and ships operating around southern Sweden and Poland have lost connectivity as their radio connectivity was interfered with. This sort of disruption poses major threats to the shipping and aviation industries, as it could result in fatal accidents on a larger scale.
How GPS jamming affects fleet management and vehicle tracking
Now that we know what people use GPS jammers for, let’s focus primarily on their impact on fleet management and vehicle tracking:
- Operational disruptions
The loss of real-time tracking capabilities causes operational disruptions. Without correct location data, fleet managers are unable to see where vehicles are, if drivers are using planned routes, and also can’t effectively dispatch jobs. This results in low productivity levels, inaccurate delivery scheduling, and client dissatisfaction.
- Security risks
The use of signal-jamming devices poses the risk of vehicle and cargo theft. This results in significant business losses and compromises driver safety. Criminals target trucks carrying high-value goods and use these GPS jammers to get away with the crime.
Strategies to mitigate GPS jamming
To keep your vehicles secure and your business running smoothly, there are some measures you can take to minimise the risk. Here are a few:
- Technological solutions
The best way for vehicle owners and fleet managers to mitigate GPS jamming is by implementing advanced tracking solutions that feature anti-jamming technology. This ensures that vehicle location is always visible despite jamming attempts, improving the overall safety of vehicles and cargo.
- Employee education
It is important that fleet managers train staff on the dangers of using GPS jamming devices and make them understand the legal implications of using them. Businesses should establish clear policies against the use of GPS jammers and their consequences.
Protection against GPS jamming with Cartrack
Signing up with Cartrack means your vehicle is protected by default against GPS signal jammers, as our system is equipped with anti-jamming technology. When a vehicle is stolen, our control room agents and recovery teams are able to detect signal jamming attempts. They then use our advanced technology to find your car and get it back to you. We also have additional security measures that you can add to your package, such as the following:
- Cartrack tag
The Cartrack tag is one of the newest products that we offer. This is a wireless backup tracking unit that uses a different frequency, not GPS, making it resistant to traditional jammers. It communicates with our control room agents and also gives our recovery team more time to find your vehicle in cases where criminals have identified and disabled the primary tracking device. The Cartrack tag can also be used to secure assets in areas with little to no network coverage.
- CarWatch
Even in the absence of a GPS signal, Cartrack offers additional security features to safeguard your vehicle. CarWatch is a system that gives you an alert whenever your parked car moves without your permission. It works via our mobile app, and all you have to do is activate it after parking your vehicle. This ensures a swift recovery, as we will pick up suspicious activity as soon as it happens.
Choose a trusted vehicle tracking service provider
Cartrack boasts an average recovery rate of 90%. We are dedicated to strengthening vehicle security for individuals and businesses by continually developing innovative solutions. Reach out to us and invest in one of our units today!
Want to know more? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about GPS jamming
Can you stop GPS jamming?
GPS jammers can be stopped in the following ways:
- You can invest in an advanced GPS tracking device with built-in anti-jamming capabilities. These gadgets filter out unwanted signals to maintain a connection even when there is jamming interference.
- Use GPS jamming detectors to identify the presence of signal interference. These detectors can locate the source of the interference and give you details on the strength of the signal jamming tool.
- Finally, if you suspect interference, try moving away from the area, as most GPS jammers operate within a limited range, so moving away from the affected zone may help restore your connection.
Are GPS blockers illegal?
GPS blockers are illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess without authorisation in Namibia and many other countries, as they pose a great threat to society. The Telecommunications Act of 1992 imposes fines up to 20,000 NAD (approximately 1,250 USD) or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both, with exceptions only for state security agencies, as clarified by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia.
What is the difference between GPS jamming and spoofing?
GPS jamming and GPS spoofing are two different methods of disrupting navigation systems. Here’s the difference:
- GPS jamming involves generating a radio frequency to overpower the signal from the satellite constellation. When this is done, the receiver cannot see the location or direction of the vehicle or asset.
- GPS spoofing, on the other hand, is more complicated. It involves an entity sending false positions. The signals need to be of the same magnitude as the authentic ones to confuse, so the receiver can be confused and unable to tell the difference.
