Spoofing

Spoofing is the deliberate transmission of fake satellite navigation signals designed to be accepted by a receiver as genuine. Where jamming simply drowns the real signal out, a spoofer whispers a more persuasive lie: the receiver locks onto the counterfeit and computes a position, altitude, or clock that the attacker controls. Because civil GNSS signals carry no cryptographic authentication, a receiver has no inherent way to tell them apart from a well-formed imitation.

The technique escalates in sophistication. A crude spoofer rebroadcasts recorded signals — meaconing — which shifts position but is detectable through timing inconsistencies. Coherent spoofers generate signals synchronized with the real constellation and can drag a receiver gradually off course without tripping abrupt-jump alarms. Against drones, the goals range from forcing a landing at a chosen spot to subverting a returning aircraft's idea of where home is.

Defenses layer consistency checks: comparing GNSS position against inertial drift, watching for impossible dynamics or clock jumps, cross-checking multiple constellations and frequencies, and moving toward authenticated signals. Spoofing is now routine enough in some regions that aviation regulators issue standing warnings for entire airspace corridors.