Drones are a boon for critical infrastructure entities and a threat vector
As drones become a common tool for monitoring and protecting Australia’s critical infrastructure, they must also be addressed as a cybersecurity threat, according to a new report.
A new report has highlighted the need for greater regulation of the use of drones in critical infrastructure operations.
Critical flight: drones, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure is a collaboration between the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Center (CSCRC) and defense and security company Omni and explores the cybersecurity impact of the growing use of drones to monitor and protect critical infrastructure.
Despite their growing use in the sector, there are currently no national standards or regulations regarding drone cybersecurity, which makes them an important threat vector considering their connectivity.
According to Rachael Falk, executive director of CSCRC, drones could easily be compromised by malicious threat actors.
“The rise of sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicle technology has the potential to be a game-changer in Australia, driving new efficiencies and improving worker safety,” Falk said in a statement.
“However, they are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which is especially concerning in relation to their critical infrastructure applications. “This means clear guidance on UAV cybersecurity is required to help Australian critical infrastructure operators mitigate UAV-related cyber threats.”
Luke Easey, CEO of Omni, noted that the growing sophistication of drones also makes them a growing threat.
“Unmanned aerial vehicles will play an increasingly important role in ensuring Australia’s critical infrastructure continues to provide the services we all depend on. So it makes sense that safety is a top priority,” Easey said.
“Providing clear guidance to critical infrastructure entities on UAV cybersecurity is an easy way to educate them about potential threats and ultimately mitigate UAV-related cyber threats, which will benefit all Australians.”
You can read the full one. Critical flight: drones, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure report here.
