Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Addressing Critical Infrastructure Security Challenges
What Is the Threat?
In addition to recreational use, unmanned aircraft
systems (UAS)—also known as unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAV) or drones—are used across our
Nation to support firefighting and search and rescue
operations, to monitor and assess critical
infrastructure, to provide disaster relief by
transporting emergency medical supplies to remote
locations, and to aid efforts to secure our borders.
However, UAS can also be used for malicious
schemes by terrorists, criminal organizations
(including transnational organizations), and lone
actors with specific objectives.
UAS-related threats may include:
• Weaponized or Smuggling Payloads –
Depending on power and payload size, UAS
may be capable of transporting contraband,
chemical, or other explosive/weaponized
payloads.
• Prohibited Surveillance and
Reconnaissance – UAS are capable of
silently monitoring a large area from the sky
for nefarious purposes.
• Intellectual Property Theft – UAS can be used
to perform cyber crimes involving theft of trade
secrets, technologies, or sensitive information.
• Intentional Disruption or Harassment – UAS
may be used to disrupt or invade the privacy of
other individuals.
Why Is This Threat Important to Critical
Infrastructure?
Since UAS use in the United States has increased as
a cost-effective, versatile business and national
security tool, as well as a popular recreational
hobby, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
estimates combined hobbyist and commercial UAS
sales will rise from 2.5 million in 2016 to 7 million
by 2020. As a result, potential threats associated
with UAS will continue to expand in nature and
increase in volume in the coming years. Because of
their physical and operational characteristics, UAS
can often evade detection and create challenges for
the critical infrastructure community.
UAS flying near a bridge in New York City
(Source: DHS)
What Actions Can You Take?
Recognizing and implementing security practices
that meet Federal, State, and local regulatory
requirements are key to successfully managing
potential security incidents associated with UAS.
Although no single solution will fully mitigate this
risk, there are several measures that can be taken to
address UAS-related security challenges:
• Research and implement legally approved
counter-UAS technology.
• Know the air domain around the facility and
who has authority to take action to enhance
security.
• Contact the FAA to consider UAS restrictions in
close proximity to fixed site facilities. More
information can be found at www.faa.gov/uas/.
• Update Emergency/Incident Action Plans to
include UAS security and response strategies.
• Build Federal, State, and local partnerships for
adaptation of best practices and information
sharing. More information can be found at
www.dhs.gov/hometown-security.
• Report potential UAS threats to your local law
enforcement agency.
February 2017