Three firms collaborate to tackle growing cyber threats

Jamming and spoofing, two methods used to disrupt or interfere with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, are reaching ‘unprecedented levels’, say NAL Research, SGM Technology and the Tschudi Shipping Company.

“In some regions, maritime authorities reported a 350% increase in affected vessels over the past six months, according to NorthStandard,” a joint statement said. “These disruptions are leading to serious consequences, including collisions, delays, financial impacts on global trade and heightened security risks for crews at sea.”

NAL Research is based in the US and is an expert in APNT (Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing),  tracking and connectivity. Norway-based SGM Technology specialises in reporting and tracking systems in commercial fishing, the seismic industry and other areas, and the Tschudi Shipping Company, also based in Norway, brings its shipping know-how to the collaboration, ‘recognising that electronic warfare and vulnerable data security is an increasing threat to the maritime industry’.

Together, the firms will develop solutions built on the Iridium PNT service, an L-band signal that is resilient to spoofing and jamming. They will develop a product line enabled by Iridium’s low-Earth orbit satellite network.

“As a fifth-generation shipping company, we’ve witnessed the evolution of maritime navigation, but never before have we faced technological threats like GPS jamming and spoofing,” said Felix Tschudi, Chairman, Tschudi Group. 

“In today’s maritime landscape, the threat of GPS jamming and spoofing is no longer theoretical—it’s a growing reality. Ensuring navigational safety is critical, not just for protecting cargo and vessels, but for safeguarding the lives of seafarers who rely on precise and trustworthy systems every day,” said Steffen Grefsgård, CEO, SGM Technology AS.