Researchers have discovered a security loophole in drones manufactured by Chinese company DJI, which enables the precise location of an operator to be identified. The researchers from Germany’s Ruhr-Universität Bochum and the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security in San Diego were able to capture and decode the communication between a drone and its operator. DJI drones transmit the GPS coordinates of their location and an identifier that provides the exact coordinates of the operator. Although the German team targeted DJI, the loophole applies to all drones that use an identifier, and it could have serious consequences for military operations.
Cheap Radio System Enables Location of DJI Drone Pilots
Growing numbers of drones are being used in military operations, and their capabilities are increasing. Unfortunately, this also means that the risks posed by the drones are becoming more severe. Drones can be used for surveillance, and some can carry weapons. In the Ukraine conflict, drones have been used to target artillery strikes, and the operators are often kilometres away from the front line. With the number of drones increasing and their potential uses becoming more varied, there is a need for effective countermeasures.
Security Flaw Found in DJI Drones
Researchers from Germany have identified a security loophole in drones manufactured by Chinese company DJI. The loophole allows the precise location of an operator to be identified. DJI drones transmit the GPS coordinates of their location and an identifier that provides the exact coordinates of the operator. Although the German team targeted DJI, the loophole applies to all drones that use an identifier.
The researchers used a cheap radio system and proprietary software to capture and decode the communication between a drone and its operator. This system can be used to identify the location of an operator who is using a drone without permission. The German researchers believe that the loophole could have serious consequences for military operations.
<img src=”https://gostart.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/djiaeroscope.jpg” alt=”German Researchers Analyze DJI Drone Signal for Pilot Geolocation, DJI Sells Same Capability to State Services.” width=”1024″ height=”1097″ /> German Researchers Analyze DJI Drone Signal for Pilot Geolocation, DJI Sells Same Capability to State Services.
DJI Aeroscope Identified as Intrusion Detection Tool
DJI, the Chinese drone manufacturer, has developed a tool called the Aeroscope that enables governments to identify the location of drones and their operators. The Aeroscope is capable of identifying the position of a drone and its operator from up to 50 kilometres away. This tool is sold to governments to enable them to detect intrusions by drones into their airspace.
DJI Not Satisfied with Military Use of Its Drones
DJI is not happy with the way its drones are being used in the Ukrainian conflict. The company’s drones are being used by both Ukrainian and Russian forces, and DJI believes that the use of its drones in this way is not appropriate. The Chinese company is now facing pressure from both sides of the conflict, and it is likely that it will be forced to modify its products to prevent them from being used in this way in the future.
Conclusion
The discovery of the security loophole in DJI drones is a significant development in the field of drone technology. With the use of drones becoming more widespread, it is essential to ensure that they are used safely and responsibly. Governments around the world are taking steps to regulate the use of drones, and it is likely that more regulations will be introduced in the future.