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In recent days, numerous residents across Ukraine have reported sudden and unexpected changes in their phones’ location data. Some users have described their devices showing them in Russian cities like Kursk, adding to confusion and unease.
November 8, 2024
Public reaction has been highly emotional, with comments online capturing the intensity of people’s reactions on Twitter.
One user, Iryna from Kyiv, commented: “I felt...so scared, thinking I’d slept through everything. When my phone’s clock finally corrected itself, I honestly thought I was losing my mind 😳😁.”
On Twitter, another user, @potvorno, shared his experience: “I woke up to my alarm at 6:00, had a smoke, grabbed some coffee, went to the bathroom, then realized in the shower that my geolocation was showing Kursk and it was actually 5 a.m. I literally had to Google the time in Ukraine for the first time in my life. Damn Russia, even here they mess with us.”
After comments expressing widespread confusion appeared on social media, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that smartphones have been experiencing issues with displaying accurate time and location due to intensified electronic warfare. To increase the impact on the enemy, efforts have been made to spoof GPS satellite navigation coordinates. This interference disrupts not only navigation systems but also the precise time synchronization mobile phones use for automatic time correction. As a preventive measure, the General Staff advises turning off automatic time adjustment and warns that satellite navigation systems may be unreliable, particularly during air raid alerts.
Experts emphasize that electronic warfare, including GPS spoofing, has become a crucial part of modern military tactics. By manipulating satellite signals, opposing forces can create disorientation among both military personnel and civilians. This interference can mislead navigation apps, disrupt logistical operations, and affect critical infrastructure that relies on accurate timing, such as telecommunications networks and power grids. Spoofing cases also invcreased in civic aviation. According to the OPS Group report this year, a 500% increase in spoofing has been observed. On average 1500 flights per day are now spoofed, versus 300 in Q1/Q2 of 2024. Security specialists from leading institutions are taking appropriate countermeasures. This aspect of the issue requires deeper study and conversation.
To mitigate potential confusion, the General Staff advises citizens to turn off the automatic time correction setting on their phones. They also suggest keeping physical maps on hand or pre-downloading offline navigation apps when traveling in areas where GPS disruptions are frequent. These precautions can help maintain situational awareness, even amid electronic interference.
Such disruptions highlight the far-reaching impact of electronic warfare on civilian life, underscoring the need for resilience and adaptability in a conflict increasingly shaped by advanced technology. This unsettling experience has left many feeling anxious and on edge, demonstrating how deeply the conflict now extends into everyday moments and personal devices.
Author: Nessa, Cyber Journalist
Source: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/
Photo: https://zmist.pl.ua/news
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