GPS Location Spoofing and FM Broadcast Intrusion Using Software-Defined Radio

Abstract

This paper makes use of a simple and inexpensive software-defined radio (SDR) to demonstrate the potential threats posed to wireless communication. SDR is a radio communication system where components that are traditionally implemented in hardware are being replaced via software running on computing devices. The authors make use of a simple SDR to demonstrate how local disruption to wireless communication can be easily carried out. In particular, the authors show how FM radio broadcast can be hijacked and the spoofing of GPS location signals using a single SDR on a local basis as well as how Google Maps apps on an Android phone can be fooled by the spoofed GPS data. The authors also show how an ‘autonomous' car can be re-routed via emulation with a rigged up remote control toy car. The spoofing of GPS signals is a potential threat to all GPS-based applications, especially when powerful radios are used. The security threats on GPS-based navigation especially for drones and autonomous vehicles are real.