July 2021: Over 100 warships from at least 14 European countries, Russia, and the United States appear to have had their AIS location spoofed since August 2020. Amongst these unlucky warships, some of the spoofed tracks show the warships approaching contested areas, such as, foreign naval bases or intruding into disputed waters. These activities could escalate tension in hot spots like the Black Sea and the Baltic. Dr. Humphreys comments, “While I can’t say for sure who’s doing this, the data fits a pattern of disinformation that our Russian friends are wont to engage in.” He also says AIS could be more secure by adding digital signatures to each message.
