As technology advances, we are getting closer to what computer engineers call “The Internet of Things.” This is an attempt to have every device connected to the Internet in some way to offer remote control options, and to be able to access important information in real-time. But as scientists get closer to creating a world connected by the Internet, they are learning that the Internet attracts hackers, no matter what the device may be.
Drones are becoming increasingly important to the construction world, which means that new safety concerns about drones being hacked by criminals are going to be a topic for conversation for construction companies. If a construction drone is hacked, it could be stolen or crashed into an area where it could do damage, or cause injuries. Hackers can steal video feeds, and they can disrupt the drone to the point where it is no longer functional. As more drones are used in the construction world, the need to keep hackers out of drone operating systems becomes more important.
Drone security is a growing concern in the construction industry.
What You Can Do To Stop Hackers
According to Forbes Magazine, most of the security issues faced by drones can only be solved by drone makers. But construction companies should note that there are two things they can do to help protect their drones and prevent hackers from destroying a sensitive piece of equipment worth thousands of dollars.
Dronezon.com recommends making sure that your control device is as secure as possible. If you have a large and expensive drone, then it should have its own laptop or tablet used as a control. When you load game software onto a controller, you are inviting hackers and possibly taking on malware. If malware gets a hold of your controller, your drone could be flying a mission when it suddenly falls from the sky because the controller failed. A dedicated controller with good antivirus and firewall software on it is essential to drone security.
Another way you can protect your drone is to avoid flying in predictive patterns. Hackers have their own drones that can lock onto your drone and allow the hacker to take control of your drone. But if you fly in patterns that seem random to a hacker, then it becomes nearly impossible for a hacker drone to get into your drone’s operating system.
A malicious hacker could cause a lot of damage and put lives in danger by gaining control of a construction drone.
What Manufacturers Are Doing For Security
As manufacturers learn more about hacking into drone operating systems, they are using that information to develop encryption systems that protect the drone from criminals. High levels of effective encryption can be added to a drone to protect it from outside intruders and prevent damage.
Drone manufacturers are also looking at developing software that is not as accessible to hackers as current software. Software that continually runs checks on the drone’s status and added positional sensors to block against GPS spoofing are two important ways drone manufacturers are fighting back against hackers.
When you start a course with PDH Contractors, you can learn about the different ways drones are being used in the construction industry and what your company can do to secure your drones. With PDH Contractors, you get the latest information and the educational resources you need to properly run your construction business.