February 27, 2025. The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has identified a growing threat from the use of drones. In a recent working paper Overview of drone-based cyber threats and aspects of defense, the BSI analyzes key threats that can emanate from drone payloads: They range from espionage and surveillance through optical or thermal imaging cameras to targeted hacker attacks on radio communications (e.g. WLAN, cell phones) and IT systems.
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Drones can also be misused as carriers for explosive devices, chemical or biological substances to carry out attacks on cyber-relevant facilities. This payload could be used against IT systems, networks, personnel and important facilities such as data centers or (emergency) power supply systems. Drones can transport payloads directly to a target. As a result, conventional protective measures such as fences or shielding are becoming increasingly ineffective.
The BSI working paper is intended to help companies and organizations prepare for the new security risks and take appropriate protective measures.
Based on the BSI’s findings, appropriate countermeasures include a wide range of technical, organizational and legal components. An important preventative measure is firstly to raise awareness and train all employees. This includes information campaigns, internal reporting channels for drone sightings and appropriate rules of conduct. Avoiding the marking or publication of sensitive parts of buildings and installations reduces the risk of espionage. In addition, optical reconnaissance or the interception of radio communications can be made more difficult by using blinds or regularly checking the exterior of the building and the immediate surroundings for technology that has been installed. Of course, the tried-and-tested techniques of eavesdropping defense also help.
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