Introduction

The proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, across critical infrastructure, commercial operations, and public safety initiatives has undeniably revolutionized numerous industries. However, this widespread adoption also introduces a new frontier for cybersecurity threats, making drones attractive targets for malicious actors. Vulnerabilities in drone communication links, navigation systems (e.g., GPS spoofing), control software, and data storage can lead to devastating consequences, including hijacking, data exfiltration, espionage, and even physical harm. Safeguarding these complex cyber-physical systems is no longer an option but a critical imperative for ensuring the integrity, reliability, and safety of UAS operations. This essential training course focuses on Cybersecurity for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills to proactively identify, mitigate, and respond to the evolving landscape of drone cyber threats.

This intensive training course provides a comprehensive and practical understanding of UAS cybersecurity. Participants will delve into the diverse attack vectors targeting drones, from exploiting wireless communication vulnerabilities to manipulating onboard software and sensor data. We will cover the principles of secure drone design, robust authentication mechanisms, data encryption, and resilient communication protocols. The course also emphasizes vulnerability assessment, penetration testing techniques specific to drones, and effective incident response strategies. By mastering these critical cybersecurity best practices and advanced defense mechanisms, you will be empowered to protect UAS fleets against sophisticated cyberattacks, ensuring secure and trusted drone operations in an increasingly interconnected world.

Target Audience

• Cybersecurity Analysts
• Drone Operators & Pilots (Commercial & Enterprise)
• IT Security Professionals
• Network Security Engineers
• UAS Program Managers
• Defense & Law Enforcement Personnel
• Software Developers for Drones
• Ethical Hackers & Penetration Testers

Course Objectives

• Understand the unique cybersecurity threat landscape for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
• Identify common vulnerabilities in drone hardware, software, and communication systems.
• Learn about drone attack vectors, including GPS spoofing, signal jamming, and control link hijacking.
• Implement secure configuration and hardening practices for drones and ground control stations.
• Master techniques for encrypting drone data (at rest and in transit).
• Understand authentication and access control mechanisms for UAS operations.
• Develop strategies for secure firmware updates and patch management for drones.
• Conduct basic vulnerability assessments and penetration tests on drone systems.
• Formulate effective incident response and recovery plans for drone cyber incidents.
• Explore regulatory frameworks and industry best practices for UAS cybersecurity.
• Design a holistic cybersecurity strategy for a UAS program.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to UAS Cybersecurity

• Defining Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and their components.
• The expanding role of drones across industries.
• Unique cyber-physical nature of UAS and associated risks.
• Overview of historical drone cyber incidents and their impacts.
• Why UAS cybersecurity is a critical concern.

Module 2: UAS Architecture and Attack Surface

• Detailed breakdown of drone hardware (flight controller, sensors, radios) and software (firmware, ground control software).
• Communication links: RF, Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite.
• Identifying the attack surface of a UAS: onboard, communication, ground control, data.
• Vulnerabilities in supply chain for drone components.
• Human element risks in UAS operations.

Module 3: Common Drone Cyber Threats and Attack Vectors

• GPS spoofing: how it works and its consequences.
• Signal jamming and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks on control links.
• Command and control (C2) hijacking and unauthorized takeovers.
• Data interception and exfiltration from payloads and telemetry.
• Malware injection and software vulnerabilities in drone firmware/apps.

Module 4: Secure Drone Design Principles

• Security-by-design concepts for UAS development.
• Principles of minimal privilege and least functionality.
• Implementing secure boot mechanisms and hardware roots of trust.
• Trusted computing environments for onboard processors.
• Importance of secure coding practices in drone software.

Module 5: Secure Communication Protocols

• Encryption standards for drone communication links (e.g., WPA2/3, AES).
• Authentication protocols for pairing drones and controllers.
• Frequency hopping and spread spectrum techniques for signal resilience.
• Mitigating eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.
• Role of Transport Layer Security (TLS) in drone data transmission.

Module 6: Data Security for UAS

• Data at rest encryption: securing onboard storage (SD cards) and ground station data.
• Data in transit encryption: protecting telemetry, video feeds, and mission data.
• Data sanitization and secure deletion practices.
• Access control for sensitive drone data.
• Compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR) for drone data.

Module 7: Authentication and Access Control

• Implementing strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for drone accounts.
• Role-based access control (RBAC) for ground control software.
• Managing user privileges for drone fleet operations.
• Preventing unauthorized physical access to drones and controllers.
• Secure pairing and binding of drones and remote controllers.

Module 8: Firmware and Software Security

• Importance of regular firmware updates and patch management.
• Verifying firmware integrity (checksums, digital signatures).
• Vulnerability scanning of drone software and firmware.
• Protecting against supply chain attacks on software components.
• Best practices for secure application development for drones.

Module 9: UAS Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing

• Methodologies for identifying security weaknesses in drones.
• Passive reconnaissance for drone operations.
• Active scanning and enumeration of drone systems.
• Simulating GPS spoofing and signal jamming attacks.
• Ethical hacking tools and techniques for drone penetration testing.

Module 10: Incident Response and Recovery for UAS

• Developing a UAS cybersecurity incident response plan.
• Steps for detecting a drone cyber incident.
• Containment, eradication, and recovery strategies.
• Forensic analysis of drone flight logs and data after an attack.
• Reporting and communication protocols during a drone security breach.

Module 11: Regulatory Landscape and Best Practices

• Overview of national and international UAS security regulations.
• Industry best practices and guidelines (e.g., CISA, ASTM).
• Developing an organizational UAS cybersecurity policy.
• Risk assessment and management frameworks for drone operations.
• Promoting a culture of security awareness among drone operators.

Module 12: Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Systems & Technologies

• Introduction to C-UAS solutions for detecting and mitigating unauthorized drones.
• Detection methods: RF, radar, acoustic, optical.
• Mitigation techniques: jamming, net capture, kinetic.
• Legal and ethical considerations for C-UAS deployment.
• Integrating C-UAS into overall security strategies.

Module 13: Future Trends in UAS Cybersecurity

• AI and Machine Learning for anomaly detection and threat prediction.
• Blockchain for secure drone data and identity management.
• Quantum-resistant cryptography for future drone communications.
• Autonomous cybersecurity measures for self-defending drones.
• The evolving role of cybersecurity in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and drone swarms.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.