Drone Security Fundamentals
Basics
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) combine embedded systems, RF communications, and sensor technology - each presenting unique attack surfaces.
Drone Architecture
Flight Controller
- • Core processing (Pixhawk, DJI)
- • IMU sensor fusion
- • Flight mode logic
- • Failsafe handlers
Communication
- • RC link (2.4 GHz typical)
- • Telemetry (433/915 MHz)
- • Video downlink (5.8 GHz)
- • WiFi/Cellular (some models)
Navigation
- • GPS/GLONASS receiver
- • Compass/Magnetometer
- • Barometer (altitude)
- • Optical flow (some)
Payload
- • Camera/Gimbal
- • Sensors (thermal, multispectral)
- • Delivery mechanisms
- • Custom payloads
Common Drone Platforms
text
# Consumer/Prosumer
- DJI Mavic/Phantom series
- Autel EVO
- Parrot ANAFI
# Open Source
- Pixhawk (ArduPilot/PX4)
- Betaflight (racing)
- iNav (navigation focused)
# Enterprise
- DJI Matrice series
- Freefly Alta X
- Custom builds
# Key protocols to understand:
- MAVLink (ArduPilot/PX4)
- DJI proprietary protocol
- SBUS/PPM (RC input)
- MSP (Betaflight)