Saturday, February 15, 2025

USA-China Tensions Transform Global Market

After the U.S. elections, relations between the...

The Accessibility of Drones and the Risk of Misuse – Are We Ready for the Growing Threat?

SECURITYThe Accessibility of Drones and the Risk of Misuse – Are We Ready for the Growing Threat?

Once considered a niche technological hobby, drones have evolved into indispensable tools across various industries. They are now used in logistics, agriculture, rescue missions, and even filmmaking. Their role in the military has also expanded, introducing new challenges, particularly in cybersecurity. While drones might seem like a modern invention, they have been around almost as long as aviation itself. Early 20th-century drones were vastly different from the devices we imagine today. What risks does this technology pose, and how can we mitigate them?


Economic Impact and the Promising Future of Drones

In the coming years, drones are expected to significantly impact the European economy, creating jobs and generating substantial revenue. According to European Commission forecasts, by 2035, drones could create 100,000 jobs across Europe and generate annual revenues of €10 billion.

Their future applications range from cargo and passenger transport to urban mobility. Drones have the potential to revolutionize logistics and could serve as an alternative to traditional taxis in cities, enabling swift travel while bypassing traffic congestion. However, mass passenger transport via drones faces challenges related to safety and public trust. Despite these obstacles, technological advancements and investments make the future of drones appear bright.


Drones as Potential Weapons

In recent years, drones have become vital tools on battlefields. Reports from the war in Ukraine highlight their widespread use in attacks and operations. While Ukraine marks the first large-scale deployment of drones in warfare, they have been used previously in armed conflicts, particularly in challenging terrains such as mountainous regions.

However, drone technology extends beyond military applications. These versatile machines, which are reshaping modern conflicts, also bring new threats. As they become more advanced and widely available, the risk of misuse by malicious actors grows.

A significant concern is the potential for terrorists to hijack drones. A simple breach of a control center could grant full control over the device. Though this sounds like a plot from a thriller, it is a very real threat. Malicious use of drones could lead to attacks on civilian or military targets, even destabilizing entire regions. The remote control of drones, reliant on communication protocols vulnerable to hacking, poses a significant cybersecurity challenge. A hijacked drone could have catastrophic consequences.


The Risks of Chinese Drones

In early 2023, U.S. federal agencies issued warnings against using Chinese-made drones. China, one of the largest drone producers globally, supplies devices that are widely used across industries. However, concerns arose when China implemented laws requiring companies to share data collected by their technologies abroad with the government upon request.

This means Chinese-made drones could potentially gather and share sensitive data with a foreign power. The U.S. fears that drones used for mapping or other tasks might collect information about strategic locations, posing a national security risk. In the context of espionage, drones are a valuable tool for gathering and consolidating data.


Accessibility

Drones have become popular not only because of their functionality but also due to their accessibility. Operating basic drones requires no special qualifications, and with the liberalization of regulations in the European Union, even children can use them under certain conditions. Additionally, drones are relatively affordable, and obtaining certification to operate them is not overly complicated.


Gaps in Security Systems

Like other aircraft, drones can become targets for attacks. Drones used to deliver packages, medical supplies, or assist in rescue operations might be tempting targets for criminals seeking to destroy or hijack them. While such incidents are rare, their consequences can be severe, especially if they involve critical medical equipment or emergency operations.

In the future, as drones become more popular, they could become targets for terrorist attacks, emphasizing the need for robust security measures.

Experts note that most commercial drones are not designed with advanced security features in mind. Manufacturers often prioritize functionality—such as range and camera quality—over cybersecurity. This leaves control systems vulnerable to zero-day attacks, for which no security patches are yet available. One notable risk is GPS spoofing, where navigation signals are falsified. A compromised drone could be repurposed for smuggling, industrial espionage, or other illicit activities.


Mitigating Risks

To counter potential threats, a collaborative effort is required from the tech industry, governments, and international organizations. Key steps include:

  1. Implementing Security Standards – Introducing regulations that require manufacturers to integrate adequate security features into their devices.
  2. Advancing Anti-Hacking Technologies – Developing systems to counter attacks, such as GPS spoofing detectors and software to prevent remote control hijacking.
  3. Educating Users – Raising awareness among drone operators and providing training on safe usage practices.

The Future of Drones: Opportunity or Risk?

Drone regulations are evolving rapidly but vary by region. The European Union has harmonized its rules, allowing drone users to operate freely across member states. In the United States, regulations are more fragmented, differing from state to state. However, in both regions, laws are constantly updated to keep pace with technological developments. In other parts of the world, the situation is different. For example, Egypt has nearly banned civilian drone use, with only those authorized by the Ministry of Defense allowed to operate them legally.


Author: Dr. Mateusz Osiecki, Adjunct Lecturer at the Department of Aviation Law, Łazarski University

Source: CEO.com.pl

Check out our other content
Related Articles
The Latest Articles