US scientists' new method defeats autonomous target-tracking drones using an umbrella with a unique graphic pattern that draws drones in to be captured with a net or forced to crash.
Researchers in the United States have found a simple way to deceive strike drones . The approach defeats autonomous target-tracking drones. The team proposed using an umbrella with a unique graphic pattern that draws drones in to be captured with a net or forced to crash.
The team from the University of California, Irvine, demonstrated how attackers could use an ordinary umbrella to manipulate drones, drawing the aircraft close enough to capture them or cause them to crash.Umbrella exploits deficiencies in autonomous target-tracking technology“Autonomous target tracking represents both tremendous potential and significant risk,” said paper co-author Alfred Chen, UC Irvine assistant professor of computer science. “While law enforcement and security agencies are adopting this technology for border patrol and public safety, it’s also being misused by criminals for stalking and other malicious purposes. Our work is the first comprehensive security study of this widely deployed technology.”Their novel physical-world attack framework is called FlyTrap. It exploits deficiencies in camera-based, autonomous target-tracking technology that enables drones to follow selected targets without being directly controlled by humans.Also known as “active track” or “dynamic track” in consumer products, these AI-powered functions are increasingly deployed across applications such as border control, security surveillance, and law enforcement operations.Approach enables complete elimination of drones through physical capture or collisionThe research team discovered what it calls a distance-pulling attack that physically draws victim drones closer to an attacker. An ordinary umbrella covered with a specifically designed visual pattern can deceive neural network tracking systems used by autonomous drones. The aircraft’s computer logic interprets images on the umbrella as a person moving farther away, even though they’re stationary, according to a press release. To maintain its tracking distance, the drone moves steadily closer to the umbrella holder, until the aircraft can be caught with a net or crashed. Unlike other possible attacks that simply cause loss of tracking, this novel approach enables complete elimination of drones through physical capture or collision, according to researchers.“Our findings highlight urgent needs for security improvements in systems before wider deployment in critical infrastructure,” said lead author Shaoyuan Xie, a UC Irvine graduate student researcher in computer science. “If it’s that easy to seize control over an autonomous drone, operating them in public or in critical security or law enforcement settings should be reconsidered.”FlyTrap attack methodology achieves its objectivesThe research team revealed that the FlyTrap attack methodology achieves its objectives through the ordinary physical act of opening a portable umbrella. The system functions locally without the need for external signaling or wireless data connectivity. It can work in a variety of weather and lighting conditions, and it employs a progressive distance-pulling strategy and manipulates drone-tracking algorithms.The tests successfully demonstrated FlyTrap attacks on three commercial drones, the DJI Mini 4 Pro, the DJI Neo and the HoverAir X1. Results showed that an attack could pull drones close enough for capture using net guns or to induce direct physical crashes. The team has responsibly disclosed these vulnerabilities to manufacturers DJI and HoverAir, according to researchers.The results point to instances in which criminals could use a distance-pulling attack to evade detection by law enforcement drones. Unpiloted aircraft patrolling border zones could be similarly hampered by a FlyTrap-like attack. On the other hand, people being stalked could use the UC Irvine researchers’ technique to eliminate a harassing drone, according to researchers.
Drones Strike Drones U.S. Umbrella Umbrella Trap
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ukraine looks to prove its value to America with drone assistanceUkraine is trying to come to America’s aid in a time of U.S. need to demonstrate the partnership can really be two-sided.
Read more »
Women Disguised Drone as Bird, Flew Contraband Into PrisonTwo women in Texas have been arrested after they allegedly disguised a drone to look like a bird and flew contraband into a federal prison
Read more »
Can Ukraine's state-of-the-art drone tech come to US aid in Iran?Operation Epic Fury gives Ukraine a chance to prove its friendship to the United States — and it’s coming through with high-tech drone defenses to fight Iran’s killer weapons.
Read more »
US Diplomatic Facility in Iraq Hit by Drone Strike: ReportThe reported attack underscores how the conflict in Iran has drawn in armed factions across the region.
Read more »
Exclusive: Russia is helping Iran with drone tactics, source saysBasic
Read more »
2 women arrested for using drone, crow decoys to allegedly smuggle meth, spice into prisonTwo Texas women were arrested after allegedly deploying a drone and plastic crow decoys filled with drugs into a prison, according to authorities.
Read more »