Unifly Successfully Completes Groundbreaking UTM Cybersecurity Model Project in Partnership with FAA
Terra Drone Corporation‘s UTM Solutions provider Unifly, has announced the successful completion of the Unified UTM Cybersecurity Model project in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The project, awarded under the Broad Agency Announcement call 003, aimed to refine a UTM cybersecurity model, establish requirements and a certification scheme, and validate the model in an operational environment.
Andres Van Swalm, CEO at Unifly, said: “We’re thrilled to have successfully led this R&D project in collaboration with FAA, Rhea, and FAA-designated UAS Test Site. As drone use continues to rise, it’s vital to develop specific cybersecurity measures for UTM to make sure airspace safety and security. We take pride in our key role on this initiative.”
The rapid growth of the drone industry has underscored the importance of ensuring the security and security of airspace. UTM systems play a vital role on this responsibility, given their software-based, highly automated, and up to date nature, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. The dearth of a comprehensive approach to UTM cybersecurity, including system requirements and a unified certification scheme, has prompted the necessity for an updated security framework.
Within the initial phase of the project, Unifly conducted interviews with key stakeholders within the UTM ecosystem, including FAA ATO, NASA, CNA, Nav Canada, and DroneUp. The concept of a unified UTM cybersecurity model was presented, garnering feedback and security requirements from stakeholders who acknowledged the need for a brand new security framework.
Jared Thompson from Nav Canada emphasized, “When considering traditional Air Traffic Management (ATM), it never had a model that focused on the operational aspect. Due to this fact, as we introduce additional layers like UTM, it’s imperative to determine a cybersecurity direction as a baseline.”
Joey Rios from NASA highlighted the necessity for “appropriate prerequisites for a UTM-specific cybersecurity framework” and a verification approach to make sure implementation, while Eldon Myers from DroneUp affirmed the demand for a framework addressing cybersecurity information and requirements.
The project team, incorporating stakeholder input, refined the system requirements and security controls for the updated prototype model. Demonstrations were conducted through over 60 flights on the NY Test site in Syracuse, incorporating various operational scenarios, including simulated attacks and countermeasures.
The extensive validation process confirmed the efficacy of the implemented security controls, with the outcomes serving as a baseline for future cybersecurity framework development. Unifly stays committed to collaborations that enhance the security of drones and airspace.
The successful collaboration amongst Unifly, FAA, Rhea, and NYUASTS highlights the importance of partnerships and innovation within the evolving UTM landscape. The findings and best practices from this project are expected to learn the UTM industry, drone operators, regulators, and most people by ensuring the security and privacy of all airspace users.