The Scary Threat to GPS That Could Paralyze U.S. Businesses
We've become massively dependent on global positioning. An outage would cost us billions of dollars. And there's no backup — yet.

A growing problem for GPS: The U.S. doesn't have a backup system. Most of our critical infrastructure, including power grids, banks, transportation systems and telecom networks, relies on the Global Positioning System. Beyond mapping for transportation and other location services, GPS is used for highly precise timing necessary for high-speed financial trading, wireless network synchronization and power grid synchronization. But the rising risk of a major outage goes largely unnoticed. "I think GPS vulnerability doesn't attract much attention because there have not been any major calamities yet, unlike with cybersecurity," says Marc Weiss, a researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
GPS and other timing systems will be even more vital to modern life in the years ahead. Timing signals need to be even more precise for the rise of connected sensors, devices and machines, known as the Internet of Things. A government report from last year concludes that a lack of highly precise timing systems could stall new technologies, such as split-second collision avoidance systems in cars or communication links in a smart electric grid.
The U.S. is more at risk than countries such as Russia, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, which all have some form of terrestrial backup system. GPS disruptions happen all the time because the signal is weak and extremely vulnerable to interference. "Terrorists can mount an attack with just a GPS jammer," says Goward. The jammers can cost less than $50 each and are extremely hard to track and stop. Note that companies such as U.K.-based Spirent offer equipment that assists in detection of GPS jamming to help fend off such interference.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
KIPLINGER ALERTS: For more valuable insights like this, sign up for Kiplinger Alerts – free 30-day trial!
Sales of GPS equipment will jump once a backup system is in the works. Maker of GPS receivers, which have dealt with years of flat sales, stand to benefit, since a whole generation of equipment will need to be replaced to incorporate the backup system. Eventually, even consumer devices will get updated. Sales of GPS equipment will jump once a backup system is in the works. Maker of GPS receivers, which have dealt with years of flat sales, stand to benefit, since a whole generation of equipment will need to be replaced to incorporate the backup system. Eventually, even consumer devices will get updated. Vendors of GPS gear and related services include UrsaNav, Chronos Technology, Garmin and Taviga.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

John Miley is a Senior Associate Editor at The Kiplinger Letter. He mainly covers technology, telecom and education, but will jump on other important business topics as needed. In his role, he provides timely forecasts about emerging technologies, business trends and government regulations. He also edits stories for the weekly publication and has written and edited e-mail newsletters.
He joined Kiplinger in August 2010 as a reporter for Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, where he wrote stories, fact-checked articles and researched investing data. After two years at the magazine, he moved to the Letter, where he has been for the last decade. He holds a BA from Bates College and a master’s degree in magazine journalism from Northwestern University, where he specialized in business reporting. An avid runner and a former decathlete, he has written about fitness and competed in triathlons.
-
Want To Retire at 65? See if You Can Answer These Five Questions
Daydreaming about retiring at 65? Use this checklist to see if you are ready.
-
Five Things to Consider Before Rolling Your 401(k) into a Roth IRA
Converting at least some of an old 401(k) to a Roth IRA can offer long-term tax benefits and retirement flexibility, especially if you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket later or wish to leave a tax-free legacy.
-
AI-Powered Smart Glasses Set to Make a Bigger Splash
The Kiplinger Letter Meta leads the way with its sleek, fashionable smart glasses, but Apple reportedly plans to join the fray by late 2026. Improved AI will lure more customers.
-
Breaking China's Stranglehold on Rare Earth Elements
The Letter China is using its near-monopoly on critical minerals to win trade concessions. Can the U.S. find alternate supplies?
-
Things that Surprise Business Owners When It’s Time to Sell
The Kiplinger Letter When it’s time to retire and enjoy the fruits of growing their business, owners are often surprised by how tough it is to give up their baby!
-
What New Tariffs Mean for Car Shoppers
The Kiplinger Letter Car deals are growing scarcer. Meanwhile, tax credits for EVs are on the way out, but tax breaks for car loans are coming.
-
AI’s Rapid Rise Sparks New Cyber Threats
The Kiplinger Letter Cybersecurity professionals are racing to ward off AI threats while also using AI tools to shore up defenses.
-
Blue Collar Workers Add AI to Their Toolboxes
The Kiplinger Letter AI can’t fix a leak or install lighting, but more and more tradespeople are adopting artificial intelligence for back-office work and other tasks.
-
What Is AI? Artificial Intelligence 101
Artificial intelligence has sparked huge excitement among investors and businesses, but what exactly does the term mean?
-
The New AI Agents Will Tackle Your To-Do List
The Kiplinger Letter Autonomous AI agents “see” your computer screen, then complete a task, from buying a concert ticket to organizing email. This opens up a world of possibilities.