DIY Photography

Your one stop shop for everything photo-video

  • News
  • Inspiration
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • DIY
  • Gear
Search

Submit A Story

DJI admits drone AeroScope signals are not actually encrypted

May 2, 2022 by Alex Baker Add Comment

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Chinese drone company DJI has been under scrutiny recently for its drone tracking system after Ukraine’s Vice Prime minister accused it of helping Russia to kill civilians. DJI initially assured users that the system was encrypted, however, evidence has come to light that this is not true, and the information is in fact, free for all to grab.

The system, called DJI AeroScope, allows users to pinpoint the exact location of a drone pilot. Of course, the DJI didn’t intend for it to be used in warfare and has since stopped shipping its products to both Russia and Ukraine.

DJI initially insisted that the position of every drone user was encrypted. However, in a new twist to the whole story, a hacker has allegedly found evidence that that isn’t the case. The AeroScope signals broadcast by every modern DJI drone aren’t actually encrypted and technically, anyone or any government with the correct technology doesn’t even need AeroScope to see the exact location of any DJI drone pilot.

Although DJI spokesperson Adam Lisberg and drone forensics expert David Kovar said that the signals were encrypted, after repeated probing by Kevin Finisterre, DJI has reluctantly admitted to The Verge that they actually aren’t.

Long story short it means that @adamlisberg needs to provide an updated comment to @StarFire2258 stating that his engineering staff misspoke & that @DJIFlySafe @DJIEnterprise @djiglobal @djisupport #AeroScope #DroneID #RemoteID packets are NOT *encrypted*. https://t.co/7y9xodwIoh pic.twitter.com/FJn1a2QZyV

— KF (@d0tslash) April 19, 2022

It’s interesting, however, that DJI initially intended the tracking system to be used by multiple drone manufacturers and so it’s not entirely surprising that it isn’t encrypted. By 2023 the US government plans to have mandates in place that ensure that your drone broadcasts your physical location. It’s unlikely to be opt-out, and those signals most likely won’t be encrypted either, according to DJI’s former VP of Policy and Legal Affairs Brendan Schulman.

Within the industry, it's clear that the ASTM standard will be the means of compliance (i.e. Bluetooth and WiFi protocols).https://t.co/YN93onbg3s

FAA rule is clear that Remote ID must be openly receivable by the public via commonly available devices. https://t.co/ymroaQlvHZ pic.twitter.com/Rlllurycv7

— Brendan Schulman (@dronelaws) April 29, 2022

It’s interesting and unfortunate that this tech is being used and tested in a war situation for purposes it was never intended for. But it does call to mind the wider responsibility that both tech companies and governments have in protecting citizens, both in terms of data information and how that corresponds to real physical security.

I think that we must assume that if technology can be used for nefarious purposes, it most likely will, and companies need to keep that in mind with their products.

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Related posts:

How DJI’s new AeroScope rogue drone detection system finds you and your drone DJI’s new AeroScope system can now track and identify your drone while flying Japan signals the end of China camera manufacturing, report suggests Default ThumbnailAdobe Hacked, Millions Of Names, Encrypted Passwords And Payment Details Compromised

Filed Under: news Tagged With: AeroScope, dji, drone, encryption, russia, Ukraine

Alex Baker: from diyphotography.net

About Alex Baker

Alex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

« Incredible drone footage shows the devastating power of Kansas tornadoes
How the paparazzi were created out of the postwar Italian film industry »

Submit A Story

Get our FREE Lighting Book

DIYP lighting book cover

* download requires newsletter signup
DIYPhotography

Recent Comments

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Recent Posts

  • 5 Bizarre Photo-Tech Relics You’ve Forgotten About
  • Canon’s new 28mm f/2.8 is a tiny, lightweight RF mount pancake lens
  • Canon announces the EOS R100 sub-$500 entry-level mirrorless camera
  • Fujifilm X-S20 shoots 6.2K video with AI-based autofocus system
  • Google’s new AI product photo tool cuts the need for product photographers

Udi Tirosh: from diyphotography.netUdi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.

Alex Baker: from diyphotography.netAlex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

David Williams: from diyphotography.netDave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred: from diyphotography.netJohn Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

Dunja Djudjic: from diyphotography.netDunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

Copyright © DIYPhotography 2006 - 2023 | About | Contact | Advertise | Write for DIYP | Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy