TORONTO, Ontario – Fact #1: The world’s largest manufacturer of consumer drones, DJI, takes great measures to ensure its machines are safe. In fact, it uses special-purpose software to protect pilots from flying in (or into) illegal or sensitive areas.
Fact #2: A number of hackers are doing their best to effectively remove that armour, in a move we strongly believe is misguided.
CONTEXT: DJI
DJI is known for making the most popular, and arguably the safest consumer and prosumer drones on the market. Not only does it build in multiple redundant features to help ensure its drones won’t get lost or drop out of the sky, but the company also puts great emphasis on software, including regular firmware updates.
Much of this software is written to ensure that recreational drone use remains safe, easy and fun. But it also has another, very explicit purpose just as (or even more) important: To ensure that users don’t inadvertently fly into areas where these unmanned aerial systems are prohibited by law.
This system, which DJI pioneered and has devoted great resources to (not only through coding and hardware, but also via cooperation with airspace and regulatory authorities around the world), is known as a “geofence.” The word refers to a set of software rules that create a virtual fence (or ceiling) beyond which a DJI product will not operate. This software is updated over time as legislation changes, new locations are designated as sensitive, and even for short periods during special events. It shows up on the DJI apps that are used to control its products, and explains to the user why their aircraft will not operate in restricted zones.
To read the rest of this story, click on https://www.thedigitalcircuit.com/geo-threat-hackers-use-wirecutters-on-dji-geofence/
