FBI-CISA Warn of National Security Threat Posed by Chinese Drones

Chinese made drones, specifically DJI, makes up a significant part of both the consumer and industrial (business) drone population in the United States.

Reuters reported in 2021 that DJI, a Chinese company, owned 90 percent of the consumer drone market in North America and 70 percent of the industrial market.

A 2017 Department of Homeland Security assessment said that a DJI drone used by a California vineyard owner allowed Chinese companies to better decide where to buy land.

Given that key industrial users of DJI drones include all critical infrastructure sectors such as electric utilities and pipelines, the Chinese have a strong incentive to keep a copy of this data. Having maps of where all of the U.S. pipelines and power lines are located could facilitate attacks on that infrastructure.

While it is unlikely that DJI’s market share is going to be eroded anytime soon, companies and consumers should follow best security practices as outlined by the FBI and CISA.

The guidance can be found here.

If you need assistance in this area, please contact us