The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based radio-navigation system consisting of a constellation of satellites broadcasting navigation signals and a network of ground stations and satellite control stations used for monitoring and control.

New research suggests that the communication of a significant GPS satellite network is insufficiently protected, rendering devices on Earth vulnerable to hacking.

Many companies, ranging from shipping containers to drilling rigs, use GPS trackers to ensure their equipment stays on course.

However, Colby Moore, a researcher with the cybersecurity firm Synack, has discovered that it is easy to compromise Globalstar's GPS satellite network. Globalstar promotes itself as 'the world's most advanced satellite network'.

GPS trackers transmit data to satellites, which subsequently forward it to Earth base stations. By utilizing inexpensive hardware and small planes, Colby was able to intercept and decode data, none of which was encrypted.

It was also noted that there was no safeguard in place to validate that data was only shared between legitimate trackers and base stations. Having access, Moore decoded the messages and generated simulated GPS data.

As a result, A cargo truck full of valuable cargo can be stolen by high-tech thieves without triggering an alarm. The actual wreck can be wrongly identified and missed by rescuers responding to a sinking cruise ship.

The aviation industry is particularly vulnerable. A number of aircrafts use the Globalstar system to communicate their position, particularly after the contract was signed between Lockheed Martin Flight Services (LMT) and the satellite company in June.

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