5 ways to beat GPS jammers
May
5 ways to beat GPS tampering involves staff training
In our last post we looked at four ways that GPS jammers attempt to tamper with a GPS unit to prevent it from working correctly, and transmitting accurate data back to the user. If you are worried about your GPS hardware being tampered with, here are 5 ways you can counter these attempts to disrupt GPS tracking.
It is also worth mentioning that it is only a small number who will attempt to tamper with a GPS device. Not only it is becoming increasingly difficult and illegal, most recognize the legitimate use of GPS tracking. For example, fleet managers may use GPS fleet tracking to measure overall fleet and driver performance to make a fleet more profitable (and thus improve job security) and ensure all drivers are fairly following company policy.
5 tips on beating GPS jammers
To improve peace of mind you may like to consider 5 ways you can counter any attempts to interfere with GPS tracking devices that are being used legitimately.
- Education – The first step is to be as upfront and honest as possible with the person being tracked so they know exactly why they (or the vehicle) is being tracked. While they may still feel there is an element of ‘big brother’ at least they may be able to appreciate your reasons for doing it. This may also be an opportunity to outline expected behavior on the job or use of company assets, and that GPS tracking is used simply to ensure compliance with company policy. In some cases it may be necessary to mention that tampering or interfering with the device, using any of the methods mentioned in our last post, is actually illegal and punishable under FCC law.
- Protect the device – By making the physical device as inaccessible and inconvenient to reach as possible it reduces the temptation for tampering. A product such as Torque Seal can also be used to fix a device in place so that it will be evident if someone has tried to access the device.
- Train the tracker – Artificial intelligence is still no match for the real thing. When staff who are responsible for monitoring tracked people or assets are adequately trained to identify possible incidents of tampering or activity that is inconsistent they are more likely to be able to correct any interference before it becomes a problem.
- Offer incentives – Support GPS tracking by offering incentives for the behavior you are trying to encourage. For example, if you are tracking fleet drivers for speeding, offer monthly incentives for those drivers who achieve a certain level of compliance. It can even become a competition between teams to see who can achieve the best performance.
- Upgrade your hardware – Talk to your GPS hardware supplier about any advancements in GPS tracking units that make them more tamper-proof. GPS devices are far more sophisticated now than earlier models that were easier to disable.
There may always be a small percentage who will continue to circumvent the system and it may be an ongoing issue for some employers, such as those who use GPS fleet tracking, to overcome the few who feel threatened by their employer knowing their activities.
By educating yourself on how GPS tracking works and following these five tips on overcoming GPS jammers, you can make sure that GPS fleet management is a valid tool for improving the profitability of your fleet and encouraging best practice by your employees.
Have you ever had staff try to tamper with GPS tracking used legitimately? What did they try and how did you deal with it?
October 10th, 2011 at 6:37 am
The cell phone GPS jammer is efficient in various conditions. The private meeting can avoid being recorded and then sent to the business rivals. The car drivers can focus their attention on driving, so that they do not have to face with any accident while talking over phone. A secretive trip can be conducted in the expected way, without being let out to any individual or authority.
http://www.jammerall.com/categories/GPS-Jammers/
October 10th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
Wrapping foil around a GPS tracking unit is not in violation of FCC rules, becuase it is “passive blocking”. Just like a school or workplace, or whatever, could turn their factility into a faraday cage to stop cell phone use, and not be in violation of the law, because they are not actually transmitting a signal. The other three methods in your previous post are illegal, but wrapping metal foil around a GPS device is not.
November 20th, 2011 at 1:21 am
We have been testing (with great success I might add) a GPS Jammer/Jammer.
I am not able to devulge any details at this time but, I can tell you that the technology is very similar to military spec ECM. We have recoverd the stolen seats from our Honda S2000 “bait cars” in 7 minutes and 12 minutes. I can tell you that the device is extremely small, VERY powerful and is impervious to being jammed by any jammers from the ultra hi-end ones to the cheap plug in types and is un-effected by shipping containers or buildings. Once we receive our government approval I would be happy to explain more.