(TLP:CLEAR) CISA Report – Unmanned Aircraft System Detection Technology Guidance

Summary: Last week, CISA published a new product, “Unmanned Aircraft System Detection Technology Guidance.” This report provides key considerations for how to select and leverage unmanned aircraft system (UAS) detection technology to enhance situational awareness of potential UAS, or drone, activity.

Analyst Note: As UASs, or drones, have become cheaper and more readily available, violent extremists, and other threat actors, increasingly view these systems as powerful tools for accomplishing their objectives, including the targeting of critical infrastructure. According to the report, “organizations depend on a range of risk management solutions to address the various aerial threats posed by UAS. Using UAS detection technology may enhance air domain awareness and can help high-risk locations and facilities respond effectively to UAS threats.” The report’s key considerations include:

1. Establishing detection technology capability requirements by understanding the threats posed by UAS; considering a facility’s characteristics such as location, layout, or airspace; and assessing organizational factors such as security protocols and available resources.
2. Determining site-appropriate detection technology based on the capabilities and considerations of UAS detection sensors.
3. Integrating detection technology into existing security plans to support a layered approach to protecting against UAS threats.”

Water and wastewater operators considering drone detection technologies are encouraged to read the attached guidance and consult legal counsel prior to the adoption of UAS detection systems.

Over the summer, during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, several drone experts described the evolving threat to critical infrastructure from drones. One expert said, “These threats are here to stay and mean that things like our critical infrastructure—such as power grids, water treatment plants, transportation networks, and communication systems—is increasingly vulnerable to threats from nefarious actors who can exploit drones’ capabilities, including surveillance, sabotage, and payload delivery, to conduct physical attacks.”

In addition, members can review E-ISAC’s (TLP:GREEN) report, “Identifying Indicators of Suspicious Drone Activity Over Electric Assets,” which can help owners and operators identify observable characteristics of suspicious drone activity over critical infrastructure.

Original Source: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/unmanned-aircraft-system-detection-technology-guidance 

Additional Reading:

• African Non-State Actors Put Drones on the Attack
• The War in Ukraine and Drone Terrorism

Mitigation Recommendations:

• CISA – Be Air Aware
• CISA – Suspicious UAS Identification Poster and Postcard

Related WaterISAC PIRs: 3 & 4