A researcher specializing in computer security has developed a box capable of intercepting the connection between a drone and its radio remote control to allow control of it in flight. The software flaw that is being exploited concerns a communication protocol very widespread on radio-controlled toys.
Jonathan Andersson may have invented the unstoppable solution to fight overflights of unwanted drones. This specialist who works for the publisher of security solutions Trend Micro has developed a system called Icarus who is able to take control of all kinds of devices controlled by a radio remote control: aircraft, helicopters, boats and therefore drones . Unlike the jammers that force drones to land, Icarus allows the user to control the machine using a remote control.
The device comes in the form of a box made from commercial electronic components and software that targets the DSMx radio protocol (2.4 GHz broadband) widely used by radio controlled toys. Icarus is able to intercept secret data that the device and the remote control exchange to associate. This information is either extracted directly from the protocol or deciphered by a brute force attack.
The prolifeation of public drones is starting to pose more and more problems with respect to privacy. Around the world, and particularly in France, regulations try to regulate the phenomenon without managing to avoid excesses. In the United States, there are reports of individuals who do not hesitate to shoot rifles on drones flying over their private property (see also this video on YouTube). In North Dakota, a police officer used a firearm to shoot down a drone during a demonstration against the construction of an oil pipeline opposed by the Sioux Indians of Standing Rock Reserve.
Many technical solutions are being studied in order to put a drone out of service without reaching such extremes. It can include using a cell phone jammer (or jammer) or sending another drone with a net to capture it. In the Netherlands, police have even successfully tested the use of an eagle to capture drones. The Icarus solution has the advantage of being able to control the machine without the risk of damaging it or injuring someone by causing a crash. The downside, this device could also make the happiness of malicious people.