Attacks on GPS Spike Amid US and Israeli War on Iran

"Since the first US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, more than 1,100 ships operating across the Gulf region have had their GPS or automatic identification system (AIS) communications technology disrupted, says Ami Daniel, the CEO of maritime intelligence firm Windward. Ships have been made to appear as if they were inland on maps, including at a nuclear power plant, the firm says."

"We're seeing a lot of GPS jamming in shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas. The levels of electronic interference are way above the baseline of usual interference. It's becoming very dangerous to go in and out."

"The electronic interference largely comes in two forms: jamming and spoofing. During jamming attacks, satellite signals are overwhelmed so that positioning data isn't available. Whereas spoofing can create false signals that make an object appear incorrectly on a map—for instance, making ships appear as if they are inland at airports."

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical Middle East oil trade route, has experienced severe disruptions following US-Israeli military strikes against Iran beginning February 28. Over 1,100 ships operating in the Gulf region have suffered GPS and automatic identification system (AIS) communications disruptions, with electronic interference levels significantly exceeding normal baselines. Ships have been falsely positioned on maps, appearing inland or at nuclear facilities. Maritime officials have issued critical risk warnings as the conflict expands regionally. At least three tankers have sustained damage. GPS attacks occur through jamming, which overwhelms satellite signals, and spoofing, which creates false positioning data. These electronic interference tactics have increased globally due to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, posing serious navigation hazards that could cause collisions or groundings.

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