Drones, Drones, Drones

“Drones.” It’s a term picked up by the public and media to describe Multi Rotor Remote Piloted Systems (I know it’s a mouth full). However, in certain groups the correct terminology is key in order to speak the same language. For the last two years I have been researching and studying Unmanned Systems and the potential uses in various industries. I have had opportunities to speak with some of the smartest people -from engineers to physicists and programmers to hardware designers. Every single one of them passionately pursuing their dreams.

Since co-presenting on The Emerging Security Threat from Unmanned Vehicles at ASIS Atlanta 2014, it seems the “Drone” craze is figuratively taking off. During my preparation for the presentation I read countless articles, papers, books have had dozens of emails, telephone conversations and interviewed several experts. I quickly realized how much good and bad can come from this technology. However, the same can be said for any of man’s innovations throughout history.

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) is scrambling to develop laws to govern the use of unmanned aerial systems both commercially and privately. Sadly I do not know any person with nefarious intent that will adhere to any law.

Everyday there is something about drones.

Reports are coming in of pilots seeing an unidentified unmanned aerial systems around the airport during landing and take-off the most vulnerable time for an airplane. Nuclear power plants around the United Kingdom and France reporting sightings of unmanned aerial systems flying around the facility. All major cities in the United States and around the world has had some type of unmanned aerial systems incident. New York Police Department Aviation Division chasing an unmanned aerial system that was flying around the George Washington Bridge. Flying around the Golden Gate Bridge cost one man ten thousand dollars in fines. However, the gentleman who crashed his toy on the White House lawn was not fined or charged.

Cartels in Mexico are using unmanned aerial systems to fly narcotics and other high value items over the boarder undetected. They even are using unmanned aerial systems to follow and identify tractor trailers to use in trafficking. Unmanned aerial systems are being used to fly narcotics, weapons and cell phones into prisons. Everyday more and more examples present themselves. Now is the time to take action not later when it’s already too late.

The Emerging Security Threat from Unmanned Vehicles will be presented again at:

ASIS 25th New York City Security Conference and Expo Session 1202, April 22nd, 1000 – 1100

ASIS Toronto’s 22nd Annual Best Practices Seminar April 23rd in Markham, Ontario

The Threat of the Unmanned Vehicles

Security professionals have an opportunity to think through a new threat that is just starting to be used by criminal elements. Now is the time for security professionals to examine the potential threat from unmanned systems and start devising countermeasures that can actually thwart their use in the air, on the ground, and under water. Executive Protection, supply chain security, and business espionage are just a few of the security sectors that must start addressing this emerging threat. This is an opportunity to learn about current systems and capabilities available to the public.