ADS-B Data Security and Privacy
One of the most frequently cited concerns with ADS-B technology is the lack of built-in security features. Because ADS-B broadcasts are transmitted in the clear and lack encryption or authentication, they are vulnerable to several types of threats, including signal spoofing, jamming, and unauthorized tracking.
Spoofing refers to the deliberate injection of false data into the ADS-B system, potentially creating phantom aircraft on a controller’s or pilot’s display. While rare in practice, this vulnerability has been demonstrated using software-defined radios (SDRs) and is a growing area of concern. Jamming, on the other hand, involves the disruption of ADS-B transmissions through radio interference, potentially causing loss of situational awareness.
Another issue is privacy. Since ADS-B broadcasts include aircraft identification and position, they can be received by hobbyists and commercial tracking websites. This has led to reluctance among some operators, especially corporate and military users, to embrace the system without additional safeguards.
Proposed mitigations include secure ADS-B protocols, multilateration-based verification, and use of traffic filtering databases like the FAA’s LADD (Limiting Aircraft Data Displayed). The aviation community is also exploring digitally signed ADS-B messages, which would allow receivers to verify message authenticity without compromising openness.
Visual Aids
- Infographic of ADS-B vulnerabilities and attack types
- Diagram of a spoofing scenario showing phantom targets
- Table of proposed security enhancements with pros and cons