Interviews

Drone assessment

by Mark Rowe

The technology required to enable SUAVs (small unmanned aerial vehicles) to present a threat of physical harm is not yet advanced enough to require any new response. The primary threat posed by SUAVs is that of hostile surveillance, writes Stuart Fraser, Pilgrims Intelligence Analyst in an assessment on the security company’s website.

Control measures are generally sufficient to mitigate this threat although Pilgrims also proposes the following:

As a new measure, the identification of a UAV / SUAV by site personnel should immediately be reported to facilities / security (and also to law enforcement) as a standard procedure (as well as logging the date / time / location). While the response is limited, awareness of the existence of hostile surveillance may enable awareness of the target and enable a more efficient future response / legal effort. As UAVs have a generally short flight time, immediate response may enable an effective police response against culprits.

Active threat awareness / liaison with law enforcement is continued to determine the level of hostile intent faced by particular sites / organisations. This will enable an appropriate preparation / response to the SUAV threat.

Future evolution

Short term, UAVs will become smaller and more capable for their size, as will the existing payloads. This will generate longer flight times, better surveillance capabilities and the emergence of more hostile applications (including physical harm).

Medium term, will see ‘swarm’ based attacks / improved artificial intelligence (AI). AI for SUAVs to improve and adaptive behaviour to surroundings will become increasingly viable. This will extend their utility for users to programme activities (and reduce the UAV limitations and vulnerabilities). It will also enable increased usage of ‘swarm’ tactics: the use of multiple, synchronised UAVs capable of functioning together without multiple users. This will enable one user to significantly increase activities.

Physical attacks: The usage of UAVs to conduct attacks has been seen, but in minute levels. In the future, as the technology enables such usage and becomes publicised, such attacks are likely to become an increased factor and will represent a more substantial (if generic) risk. For the full eight-page report visit http://pilgrimsgroup.co.uk/news/.

Definition

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): An aircraft or aerial vehicle (including rigid-hulled, propeller-driven and fixed-wing) which does not possess an on-board pilot. Instead, it is directed by a remotely-based operator who generally uses a radio-signals connection to maintain active control over the vehicle.

Pictured: A sign at the entrance to Donington Park, Leicestershire.

Related News

  • Interviews

    Euro football praise

    by msecadm4921

    With the final whistle blown on the Euro 2012 football tournament won by Spain, INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K Noble praised the…

  • Interviews

    Kings update

    by Mark Rowe

    A recent security supplier’s day for customers and its suppliers was about updating them on the last 12 months – and included…

  • Interviews

    Police package

    by Mark Rowe

    Theresa May the Home Secretary, pictured, has told Parliament she has pledged legislation to give the IPCC powers to investigate private sector…

Newsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay on top of security news and events.

© 2024 Professional Security Magazine. All rights reserved.

Website by MSEC Marketing