While the concept may have sounded futuristic a few years ago, security teams must now give serious consideration to whether a drone detection program is necessary for their business. Physical security professionals across industries must now work to understand the technology, legal implications, and capabilities behind drone detection. This article serves as an overview of drone detection to help security professionals determine whether to pursue the addition of a drone detection system in their physical security program.

What is Drone Detection?

Drone detection refers to any sensors or software used for the purpose of identifying, tracking, and classifying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones. Drone detection can alert security teams to a drone’s presence before it can disrupt operations or compromise physical safety by filming sensitive data or delivering contraband within a protected airspace.

Understanding the Tech

There are three key types of drone detection technologies. Understanding these options and the capabilities and logistics of each will help your team determine the best path for your business requirements. These technology types include:

• RF (Radio Frequency) Sensors: These listen for the communication link between a drone and its controller. They are commonly used for identifying the drone’s make and model, and can even help identify the pilot’s location.
• Radar: Unlike RF, radar doesn't need the drone to be currently communicating with its controller. It sends out radio waves and measures the echo as it bounces off the physical object to pinpoint its location. Some drones fly on pre-programmed GPS paths without live communication with a pilot, and thus will not be picked up by RF sensors. In these instances, radar will still pick up the presence of an autonomous drone.
• Optical/Thermal Cameras: Some camera technology can provide visual verification. Integrated systems often use PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras that automatically turn to the drone’s coordinates once a sensor picks it up, allowing security teams to see the drone and determine whether it is carrying a camera or a suspicious load.

What Drone Detection Systems Can and Can't Do

In determining whether a drone detection system is needed for your business, it’s important to establish a realistic baseline for the capabilities and legal restrictions of drone detection systems.

A drone detection system can give your team a head start by detecting a drone before it reaches your fence line or airspace. This means the team can act accordingly to secure sensitive information or allocate security staff to stay ahead of any unauthorized items dropped. Some systems can also help you locate the pilot, allowing for targeted legal follow-up by finding the person controlling the drone. Finally, drone detection systems will help flesh out an accurate and in-depth forensic trail including digital serial numbers and flight paths. This information can be crucial for effective law enforcement reports and follow-up.

On the other hand, legal restrictions prevent security teams from taking certain actions, even if the drone detection system alerts you of unwanted activity in your airspace. Legally, drone detection systems cannot jam or physically take down a drone. Under Title 18 U.S.C. 32, it is a federal crime to shoot down or otherwise disable an aircraft, which includes drones. This also includes signal jammers, especially since these can interfere with emergency frequencies or Wi-Fi. Furthermore, drone detection systems are not capable of identifying intent and will need human security professionals to distinguish between a true threat and an innocent drone outing.

How to Respond Safely

Since security teams can't take a drone out of the sky, an effective and safe response should focus on physical hardening and legal escalation. Once a drone is detected in or near your physical airspace, secure the perimeter by shutting loading bay doors and closing blinds to prevent any data leakage. Pause outdoor meetings and operations to whatever extent possible.

If your detection system includes RF sensors, use them to locate the pilot and send a ground security team to intercept them if possible, or report the location to law enforcement. Document all system logs and findings so that you can file a thorough report with law enforcement and the FAA.

Is Drone Detection Right for You?

Not every facility needs a drone detection system, but these criteria signal that drone detection would elevate security for a business:

• Critical Data & Infrastructure: If a drone-aided cyberattack is a known risk for your business type, (for example, power plants or data centers) investing in a drone detection system may elevate your overall security.
• High-Value Assets: Banks or logistics hubs where drones could be used to infiltrate security routines should consider adding drone detection to their security stack.
• Mass Gatherings: Drone detection technology is an appropriate investment for universities and stadiums where a falling drone poses a major liability to public safety.

If your enterprise fits any of the above criteria or your team has concerns about surveillance, data security, and operations privacy, drone detection may be the best next addition to your security program. The team at Security Control Integrators can help advise on the best technology fit for your business and how to integrate drone detection into your physical security system. Start the conversation today!