Detecting GNSS Spoofing using a Network of Hardware Oscillators.

Area of Science:

• Navigation and Timing Security
• Signal Processing
• Cybersecurity

Background:

• Growing concerns regarding spoofing attacks on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) transmissions.
• Vulnerability of GNSS-based timing references to malicious interference.
• Need for robust detection mechanisms beyond conventional threshold-based methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel scheme for cross-validating GNSS timing against local hardware oscillator properties.
• To enhance the sensitivity and reliability of spoofing attack detection systems.
• To develop a robust method for securing GNSS timing references.

Main Methods:

• Development of a linear belief filter applied to a maximum likelihood clock ensemble of low-cost oscillators.
• Implementation of an ensemble detector test-bed for real-time validation.
• Cross-validation of GNSS timing signals against intrinsic oscillator characteristics.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated ability to detect certain types of spoofing attacks on GNSS timing signals.
• Improved sensitivity compared to conventional threshold-based detectors.
• Successful validation using an ensemble detector test-bed.

Conclusions:

• The proposed cross-validation scheme offers a promising approach to detect GNSS spoofing attacks.
• The linear belief filter applied to a clock ensemble provides a sensitive and effective detection mechanism.
• This method enhances the security and integrity of critical timing references.