Source URL: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq6yg204pvmo
Source: Hacker News
Title: Planes are having their GPS hacked. Could new clocks keep them safe?
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AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the increasing threat of GPS jamming, particularly affecting aviation, and the response of scientists in the UK to develop a more secure alternative through the use of portable atomic clocks. This innovation aims to enhance navigation security and prevent disruptions that could have widespread implications for critical infrastructure.
Detailed Description: The article highlights a critical issue within information security and navigation technology, focusing on the vulnerability of GPS systems to jamming, particularly near military borders. Here are the major points covered:
– **Recent Incidents**: A Ryanair flight experienced GPS signal interference leading to an emergency diversion, highlighting the risks faced by commercial aviation.
– **Prevalence of Jamming**: Over 800 cases of GPS interference were recorded in Lithuania, and similar concerns were raised by Estonia and Finland regarding potential jamming activities linked to Russia.
– **Implications of GPS Loss**: Systematic jamming could disrupt not just aviation but also vital sectors like finance, electricity, and communication, with estimated costs of £1.4 billion per day.
– **Development of New Technology**: British scientists are working to develop a portable alternative to GPS that leverages atomic clock technology to provide accurate navigation without relying on satellite signals, thus reducing the risk of interference.
– **Quantum Technologies**: The pursuit includes advancements in quantum technologies aimed at creating smaller, more robust, and accessible atomic clocks that can be integrated into everyday devices such as smartphones, potentially transforming personal navigation.
– **Historical Context**: The challenges are likened to those faced by John Harrison when he invented a marine clock. The scientific community parallels are drawn on the importance of time measurement throughout history.
– **Government Initiatives**: The UK government has initiated research efforts targeted at GPS security and creating prototypes for the new technology, recognizing the urgency of the threat.
– **Future Prospects**: The anticipated rollout of new navigation systems that utilize advanced atomic clocks is expected, potentially within a few years, though wider adoption across critical infrastructure could take much longer.
This discussion is significant for security and compliance professionals as it underscores the increasing vulnerabilities of global navigation systems and highlights the need for innovative security solutions within critical infrastructure systems. As more sectors become reliant on GPS for functionality, addressing these vulnerabilities is paramount to ensuring the resilience of critical services.