South Korea’s intelligence agency has urged drone development companies to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses amid a surge in state-sponsored and internationally coordinated hacking attempts. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) issued this advisory on Monday, March 17, emphasizing the critical need to safeguard technologies used in unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to NIS, these cyber intrusion attempts are primarily aimed at infiltrating the internal networks of drone manufacturers to steal proprietary technological data. Hackers employ phishing tactics and actively seek vulnerabilities within IT systems servicing these companies. While no incidents have yet resulted in the leakage of critical technologies, the persistence of such cyberattacks underscores the pressing need for enhanced security measures.
The agency highlighted the intrinsic link between drone technology and the nation’s defense and aerospace industries, warning that any compromise in this sector could have severe repercussions for national security. Given these risks, companies operating in this field must take decisive steps to fortify the protection of their innovations.
NIS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, conducted a joint briefing where they recommended the establishment of dedicated cybersecurity frameworks to mitigate hacking threats. The intelligence agency also expressed its readiness to work alongside other organizations to assist drone manufacturers in bolstering their cyber resilience.
