FBI, DHS Warn U.S. Firms of Cyber Threats from Chinese Drones
A report from the FBI and U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) lays out the vulnerabilities and consequences of leaving the aircraft unchecked.
DJI was not named in the report, but the company’s drones, such as this Phantom, are among those targeted by U.S. bans. [Courtesy: Emiliano Arano/Pexels]
Key Takeaways:
The FBI and CISA released guidance warning U.S. critical infrastructure owners and operators about national security, economic, and public safety threats from Chinese-manufactured drones, such as those from DJI.
The concern stems from Chinese laws that expand the government's ability to access and control data held by Chinese firms, potentially exposing sensitive U.S. information and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities.
The report recommends U.S. entities procure drones adhering to "secure-by-design" principles and consult the DoD's Blue UAS Cleared List, reflecting a broader U.S. push to ban Chinese drones despite their common use, lower cost, and perceived quality advantages.
Another week, another push by the U.S. government to diminish the dominance of Chinese drones.
The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) this week released a report highlighting the threats posed by Chinese manufacturers of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS)—including DJI, which accounts for an estimated 7 in 10 global sales of consumer drones.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
