(TLP:CLEAR) U.S. Department of War Publishes New Guidance on Counter-Drone Technology and Privacy Protections

Summary: The U.S. Department of War recently published a new guidance product, “Counter-UAS Operations: Safeguarding Freedoms and Preserving Privacy.” This document serves as a comprehensive guide to the sensor technologies used to detect and identify drone threats and the legal framework that governs their use.

Analyst Note: This guide offers awareness of the passive, non-intrusive sensor technologies — such as Radar, Electro-Optical/Infrared, and Radio Frequency Detection — that allow security personnel to maintain airspace awareness without interfering with civilian UASs, also known as drones,. Importantly, a significant focus of the document is explaining how these systems operate in compliance with Federal Surveillance Law. The document notes that “by analyzing only the physical properties of a signal — its ‘signal fingerprint’ and not the content of a transmission, these counter-unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) systems can effectively identify the type of drone and its location without infringing on individual privacy.”

Relatedly, late last year, CISA published three products to help critical infrastructure owners and operators understand and reduce security risks from UASs. Each product addresses a unique segment of the UAS risk environment.

• Unmanned Aircraft System Detection Technology Guidance for Critical Infrastructure provides critical infrastructure owners and operators with key considerations for how to select and leverage detection technology to increase awareness of UAS activity over a facility or site.
• Suspicious Unmanned Aircraft System Activity Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators offers criteria for recognizing suspicious UAS activity and recommendations for responding appropriately.
• Safe Handling Considerations for Downed Unmanned Aircraft Systems provides information on how to prepare for and respond to downed UAS that may pose a safety or security concern.

Original Source: https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4429319/jiatf-401-publishes-guide-to-counter-drone-technology-and-privacy-protections/

Additional Reading:

• CISA – Be Air Aware

Related WaterISAC PIRs: 3 & 4