Edge Networks enhances Cyber Security Network Protection service as GNSS attacks increase
As a local business, it is exciting to see the momentum building around The Golden Valley Development in Cheltenham, home to Cyber Central, the UK’s focal point of activity in cyber security.
Edge Networks have been close to the development for some time across a range of technologies and associated services. Through the deployment of our enhanced Cyber Security Network Protection Service, we look forward to collaborating with partners to help businesses build resilient cyber security strategies and deploy leading edge risk-mitigation solutions.
Cyber security is an increasingly hot topic with widely publicised stories revealing the damaging effects cyber-attacks have had on organisations, services and consumers. With global pandemics such as the current Covid-19 situation causing widespread public fear and distraction, it’s a hackers’ paradise.
However, cyber security is not new territory for Edge. We’ve been partnering with clients in a wide range of industries where it’s vital to protect critical infrastructure, in particular against GNSS disruption.
As the frequency and intensity of cyber attacks continues to increase, Edge have enhanced their cyber security offering accordingly. This is not wholly but in part a strategic response to a particular major threat which has recently come into force in GNSS disruption in the form of GNSS spoofing – an attack in which a radio transmitter located near the target is used to interfere with a legitimate GNSS signal.
With GNSS being such an essential part of our navigation and positioning system, and such a widely used and essential tool, it’s becoming an attractive target for criminals and hackers. GNSS signals are vulnerable: even a low power interference can spoof the GNSS, which can cause destruction.
In fact, it’s difficult to find any important digital infrastructure that doesn’t rely on GNSS. Occurring in the power grid, transport, mobile networks and financial markets, it’s becoming a serious problem that could allow hackers to influence everything from flying drones and driving cars to stock market trades, mobile phone failure and ATM withdrawals.
Timing and synchronisation
Network operators will know all too well the significant impact GNSS disruption can have on their timing and synchronisation systems. Consider the telecommunications network: this system depends on GNSS time-reference receivers for retrieving accurate and precise timing and tower-to-tower synchronisation. A recent study reveals that if a particular tower’s timing is off by more than 10 microseconds from true, all hand-off processes of the victim tower are disrupted. It could take just 30 minutes for a GNSS spoof attack to induce a 10 microsecond deviation in time for a typical tower. Similarly, a coordinated spoofing network could also cause multiples of neighbouring telecommunication towers to interfere with each other. The effects are catastrophic.
In the finance industry, GNSS is relied on to time-stamp financial transactions and organisations need to comply to many regulatory mandates; the elimination of fraudulent security trades to help digital forensics where accuracy of stamping provides proof of when a transaction did or did not occur; the protection of consumer information from being modified where sensitive data is recorded for auditing with real-time date and timestamp details; security of cardholder data in online or retail transaction networks. The impact associated with inaccurate time can be huge and may include legal liability for negligence.
Take the National Grid, which relies on precise synchronisation to deliver power to high-demand areas at just the right time to prevent blackouts without causing a dangerous power surge.
The examples, and the potential risks, are endless. This is where Edge Networks can help.
Cyber security should not simply be implemented as an ad hoc event, nor should it be ignored until an attack has occurred. GNSS security must be built into the overall cyber security strategy as a proactive and continuous preventative measure.
Edge’s Cyber Security Network Protection has been developed in line with emerging cyber security threats using the most innovative and robust GNSS technologies available. Our highly skilled and experienced team understand the impact of GNSS disruption in many industries. We will help you build a cyber-security strategy from the ground up, applying assurance application solutions tailored to the needs of your business. This includes network monitoring, network protection analysis, design audit, threat modelling, testing, protected back-up and redundancy, and traceable references.
Jon Lanceley, Managing Director of Edge Networks: “We’re continually looking at how we can improve the service we provide to our clients across all our service offerings. Cyber crime will only get worse and we feel it is imperative we enhance our offering in this space to keep our clients ahead of the curve, prevent catastrophes, and ensure continued operation”.
To talk to us more about our Cyber Security Network Protection Service email hello@edgenetworks.uk or call 0333 111 4000.
