GPS Jamming: What You Need to Know

GPS tracking technology plays a huge role in modern-day vehicle safety and fleet management. But with every safety invention comes the development of systems to bypass the technology. In this case, we are referring to signal interference through the use of GPS jamming devices. 

GPS jamming devices have been around for many years, mainly utilised by the government. The technology has since become accessible to civilians, which poses a threat to vehicle owners, individuals, and society at large. 

Today, we give you insight into the overall effects of GPS jamming and how we, as Cartrack, have tools in place to help mitigate this issue.

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What is GPS jamming?

GPS jamming describes the process of using a radio frequency (RF) transmitting device to deliberately block or interfere with GPS signals that are used for navigation, timing, and positioning. These RF-transmitting devices are called GPS jammers. 

GPS jammers emit stronger signals with the same frequency as GPS satellite signals. Once emitted, they create noise to confuse the GPS receiver, resulting in the GPS being “blind,” unable to see the satellites and give accurate location data. Think of it as someone shouting over a quiet conversation. The device can’t “listen” to the GPS satellites because the jammer is “shouting” over the same frequency. 

Governments initially created the devices for military use and spy agencies to confuse the enemy. They later became available to the general public, with some individuals using them to protect their privacy by preventing other people from being able to track them or hack their data. However, when placed in the wrong or untrained hands, signal jammers can severely disrupt communications, affecting businesses, vehicle tracking data, the recovery of vehicles, or even airport radio towers.

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The different types of GPS jammers 

Signal-jamming devices come in various shapes and sizes and are easy to operate. They vary according to the intended use and range. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three common types of jammers: 

1. Portable jammers
   As the name suggests, portable jammers are small and can fit into your pocket. They might resemble everyday gadgets such as cellphones and USB chargers. They typically feature one or two small antennas and are commonly used to block cellphone signals.
   
   
2. Vehicle jammers
   These are larger than portable jammers and are designed to conceal the location of vehicles. They have internal or external antennas and can connect to the vehicle’s electrical system.
   
   
3. Stationary jammers
   Stationary jammers were initially created for fixed locations and are the largest compared to the other two. They look like routers, and they are weather-resistant for outdoor use. They have multiple antennas that are very noticeable and often come with additional hardware for mounting the device.

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Who uses GPS jammers and why?

GPS jammers are used by people with different motives. Let's have a look at the various reasons why people get them: 

• Car thieves
  It is no secret that vehicle theft is one of the major public safety concerns in South Africa. Criminals are always finding new ways to bypass safety-focused technology. They use GPS jamming devices to conceal the location of stolen vehicles, making it difficult for most vehicle tracking companies to perform recoveries.
  
  
• Employees and drivers
  In logistics, some operators may use jammers to manipulate route times or hide detours. This leaves the fleet manager unaware of unauthorised activities. These detours may be personal trips or side jobs to make extra money while on the road.
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• Personal privacy concerns
  Some individuals use GPS jamming devices to protect their privacy. An example of this is how GPS jammers can be used to prevent drone surveillance or data capture.
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• Smuggling operations
  Criminals also use GPS jamming devices to hide the movement of illicit goods, such as illegal weapons. This prevents authorities from being able to trace them and buys time so they can go as far as possible while undetected.
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• Cybersecurity attack
  The world has become increasingly reliant on technology, making individuals and organisations vulnerable to cyberattacks. In April 2024, an article by Wired reported that planes and ships operating around southern Sweden and Poland have lost connectivity as their radio connectivity was interfered with. This sort of disruption poses major threats to the shipping and aviation industries, as it could result in fatal accidents on a larger scale.  

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How GPS jamming affects fleet management and vehicle tracking

Now that we know what people use GPS jammers for, let’s focus primarily on their impact on fleet management and vehicle tracking:

• Operational disruptions
  The loss of real-time tracking capabilities causes operational disruptions. Without correct location data, fleet managers are unable to see where vehicles are, if drivers are using planned routes, and also can’t effectively dispatch jobs. This results in low productivity levels, inaccurate delivery scheduling, and client dissatisfaction.
  
  
• Security risks
  The use of signal-jamming devices poses the risk of vehicle and cargo theft. This results in significant business losses and compromises driver safety. Criminals target trucks carrying high-value goods and use these GPS jammers to get away with the crime. 

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Strategies to mitigate GPS jamming

To keep your vehicles secure and your business running smoothly, there are some measures you can take to minimise the risk. Here are a few: 

1. Technological solutions
   The best way for vehicle owners and fleet managers to mitigate GPS jamming is by implementing advanced tracking solutions that feature anti-jamming technology. This ensures that vehicle location is always visible despite jamming attempts, improving the overall safety of vehicles and cargo.
   
   
2. Employee education
   It is important that fleet managers train staff on the dangers of using GPS jamming devices and make them understand the legal implications of using them. Businesses should establish clear policies against the use of GPS jammers and their consequences. 

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Real-life stories of how Cartrack recovered vehicles despite signal-jamming attempts

Over the years, Cartrack has recovered many vehicles that were stolen with the use of GPS jamming devices. Take a look at these two examples: 

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Case study 1: 

In May 2024, Cartrack’s Recovery Team was dispatched for a vehicle reported stolen in Krugersdorp. The IoT device indicated that the vehicle was in Diepkloof, so our recovery team proceeded to the location. The vehicle was spotted and safely recovered, and two suspects were apprehended. A signal jamming device was also found at the scene.

The suspects and signal-jamming device were handed over to the SAPS, and the vehicle was booked in at the Lenasia SAPS Impound.

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Case study 2: 

In December 2024, the Cartrack Recovery Team was on patrol in Katlehong when they encountered a vehicle that raised signal-jamming alerts. They followed the vehicle, but when the driver noticed them, he accelerated, prompting a brief chase. The vehicle came to a standstill at a dead end in Palmridge and was safely recovered with a signal-jamming device found inside it. 

Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had cloned number plates and belonged to a delivery company in Cape Town. Our control room team confirmed that the tracking unit did not belong to Cartrack but to another vehicle tracking company. It was later determined that the vehicle had been hijacked in Tembisa. The vehicle owner was contacted, and the vehicle was handed over to the SAPS.

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Protection against GPS jamming with Cartrack 

Signing up with Cartrack means your vehicle is protected by default against GPS signal jammers, as our system is equipped with anti-jamming technology. When a vehicle is stolen, our control room agents and recovery teams are able to detect signal jamming attempts. They then use our advanced technology to find your car and get it back to you. We also have additional security measures that you can add to your package, such as the following: 

• ‍Cartrack tag
  The Cartrack tag is one of the newest products that we offer. This is a wireless backup tracking unit that uses a different frequency, not GPS, making it resistant to traditional jammers. It communicates with our control room agents and also gives our recovery team more time to find your vehicle in cases where criminals have identified and disabled the primary tracking device. The Cartrack tag can also be used to secure assets in areas with little to no network coverage. 
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• ‍CarWatch 
  Even in the absence of a GPS signal, Cartrack offers additional security features to safeguard your vehicle. CarWatch is a system that gives you an alert whenever your parked car moves without your permission. It works via our mobile app, and all you have to do is activate it after parking your vehicle. This ensures a swift recovery, as we will pick up suspicious activity as soon as it happens. 

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Choose a trusted vehicle tracking service provider 

Cartrack boasts an average recovery rate of 90%. We are dedicated to strengthening vehicle security for individuals and businesses by continually developing innovative solutions. Reach out to us and invest in one of our units today!

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Want to know more? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about GPS jamming

Can you stop GPS jamming?

GPS jammers can be stopped in the following ways: 

1. You can invest in an advanced GPS tracking device with built-in anti-jamming capabilities. These gadgets filter out unwanted signals to maintain a connection even when there is jamming interference.
   
   
2. Use GPS jamming detectors to identify the presence of signal interference. These detectors can locate the source of the interference and give you details on the strength of the signal jamming tool.
   
   
3. Finally, if you suspect interference, try moving away from the area, as most GPS jammers operate within a limited range, so moving away from the affected zone may help restore your connection.
   

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Are GPS blockers illegal?
GPS blockers are illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess without authorisation in South Africa and many other countries, as they pose a great threat to society. The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act of 2002 imposes fines up to R1 million or five years in prison, with exceptions only for state security agencies, as clarified in a 2015 ICASA update following parliamentary signal disruptions (ICASA Statement, February 13, 2015).

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What is the difference between GPS jamming and spoofing?
GPS jamming and GPS spoofing are two different methods of disrupting navigation systems. Here's the difference: 

• GPS jamming involves generating a radio frequency to overpower the signal from the satellite constellation. When this is done, the receiver cannot see the location or direction of the vehicle or asset. 
  
  
• GPS spoofing, on the other hand, is more complicated. It involves an entity sending false positions. The signals need to be of the same magnitude as the authentic ones to confuse, so the receiver can be confused and unable to tell the difference.

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