Researchers at the University of Canberra have warned that Australia’s critical infrastructure is not adequately prepared for emerging cyber threats posed by drones, despite the rapid growth in drone capability and availability across the country.
The findings are detailed in a new independent report produced by Innovation Central Canberra (ICC) at the University of Canberra in collaboration with Australian counter-drone company DroneShield. The study examined how drones could be used as vectors for cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure, drawing on targeted analysis and interviews with infrastructure operators.
According to the report, there have been no recorded domestic cyber incidents in Australia involving drones to date. However, researchers identified several structural vulnerabilities, including limited drone detection capabilities, low awareness of drone-enabled cyber risks across industry, and a lack of specific government guidance addressing the issue. Combined with the increasing use and sophistication of drones, the report concludes that these gaps could expose critical infrastructure to future threats.
The research team, led by Professor Frank den Hartog, Cisco Research Chair in Critical Infrastructure at the University of Canberra, notes that while drones are widely recognized for their impact on modern warfare, their potential role in cyber operations is less well understood. Overseas, malicious actors have already begun experimenting with drone-enabled cyber techniques, and the report suggests similar methods could emerge in Australia as drone and cyber technologies continue to evolve.
Within the next five years, the report warns, operators of critical infrastructure may need to reassess how likely drone-enabled cyber threats are and how they should be addressed within existing security frameworks. It recommends greater education, improved information sharing, closer collaboration between industry and research institutions and broader consideration of counter-drone measures across critical infrastructure sectors.
The study also highlights ICC’s applied research model, which involves student-led projects working directly with industry partners. DroneShield’s participation in the research is cited as an example of how industry-academic collaboration can help identify emerging risks and inform future capability development.
Both the University of Canberra and DroneShield indicated they are exploring options to continue the partnership as understanding of drone-enabled cyber threats develops.
CONTEÚDO RELACIONADO: Silentium radar selected for Australia’s LAND 156 program
Crédito da imagem da publicação: George Kroeker via Unsplash
Seguir Centro C-UAS no LinkedIn para actualizações regulares de conteúdos contra UAS.
