Are Drones factored into your security plan?
Drones, also commonly known as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), are well known in today’s society and whilst they bring some fantastic abilities and attributes, they can also be used for less professional purposes which could prove a security risk to companies and organisations. Some operators and owners are also unskilled and unaware of the strict legislation and regulations surrounding their use and, when not used correctly, can create significant safety risks.
Pilots frequently report drone usage near Airports, protest groups are using them to record and plan protests, organised crime groups use them for the transport of drugs and other contraband, hostile lone actors are known to use them during the reconnaissance phase of a terrorist attack and cyber criminals can obtain sensitive information, which can simply be obtained by flying a drone outside an office window and taking photographs of a computer screen. Although that may seem unlikely to most people, it is a very real threat and prevention measures should be included in every security plan or policy.
It is essential that companies have a robust strategy and plan in place to counter situations where a drone is observed in and around business premises. Being prepared will ensure that any incident, whether hostile or friendly, is dealt with in a methodical and proportionate manner and will mitigate the threat and risk to company staff, building premises and company reputation.
To prepare for such an incident, companies need to assess the risks to their premises and thereafter implement effective processes to mitigate them. One of the ways to do this is to create a seven step plan.
Step 1 – Develop a strategy
Step 2 – Conduct a vulnerability assessment
Step 3 – Implement mitigation measures
Step 4 – Identify launch sites and physical hardening measures
Step 5 – Install and implement, if appropriate, counter technology
Step 6 – Reporting and response plan
Step 7 – Review the plan and strategy
By adopting or adding simple measures, it will deter and hopefully prevent criminality at business sites.
If you would like to know more or see how Inverroy can help you develop a drone plan, please contact us at enquiries@inverroy.com
