THE world’s leading experts in drone security and remote operations are in Perth this morning to discuss the growing opportunities and threats posed by the devices.
Drones are becoming more prominent and so is the misuse of the emerging technology.
According to US research, more than 3 million drones were purchased worldwide in 2017.
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READ NOWECU has partnered with the US Consulate Perth to bring experts together to discuss the latest developments and research around drone and remote IT threats.
“Drones are not just play things,” ECU Security Research Institute (SRI) director Craig Valli said.
“They are the workhorses of the future but we must remember there is a sinister side.
“Like all technology, there is an element for evil.”
The forum at ECU’s Joondalup campus will feature experts from the US and Australia and is the first of its kind outside of Canberra.
“This drone forum is the latest example of US and Western Australian partnerships in cybersecurity,” US Embassy’s Mission acting deputy chief Michael Heath said.
“Modern day threats don’t respect borders.
“Our nations are stronger when we fight security risks together.”
Among the guest speakers at the forum is Steven Watson, a US-based technologist focused in the areas of data recovery and drone forensics.
Last month he hosted a drone forensics working session in Colorado, in collaboration with the Interpol Innovation Centre which involved law enforcement personnel from around the world.
“The gathering of data from electronic devices can often be challenging however what we find from drone cameras and GPS files can be invaluable to police,” Professor Valli said.
“The data retrieved can assist in a multitude of cases from stalking to counter-terrorism.
“The application of drone forensics is now a big focus for us at ECU and the Security Research Institute.”
The forum has been welcomed by industry.