The UAS Hack, a hands-on event dedicated to exploring the intersection of cybersecurity and drone technology was held from August 19 to 23, 2024, at the ORION NTROPEE hangar and concluded with resounding success.
This weeklong challenge brought together 15 talented university-aged participants to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges in the realm of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and provided a unique platform for these emerging tech enthusiasts to learn, demonstrate their skills and push the boundaries of innovation.
Assured Information Security (AIS) subject matter experts providing instruction and curriculum for the event. Topics explored included the legalities of UAS and cyber, cybersecurity basics, drone 101 & 201, wireless communications and much more. UAS Hack was sponsored and driven by the Open-Architecture Resilient IoT for Operational Networks (ORION) ecosystem, which is spearheaded by the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL).
“UAS Hack has truly exceeded our expectations,” said Eric Thayer, Chief Engineer at AIS and UAS Hack instructor. “The 15 students demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and technical expertise, tackling complex UAS cybersecurity challenges head-on. Their ability to produce innovative solutions showcases the promising future of our industry. We are already looking forward to planning next year’s challenge.”
The event provided a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the practical application of cybersecurity principles within the rapidly evolving UAS landscape. By leveraging ORION’s hangar space and New York’s 50-mile UAS corridor as well as expert mentors and instructors, UAS Hack offered participants a collaborative and challenging environment to learn, innovate and develop crucial technical skills.
“UAS Hack was an incredible learning opportunity,” said Zack Kornreich, UAS Hack participant and current master’s student at Binghamton University. “The hands-on experience with UAS cybersecurity gave me practical skills that will undoubtedly add value to my career. The event pushed me to think critically and creatively, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned in my future endeavors.”
The success of UAS Hack underscores the commitment of ORION and its partners to nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders. By providing a platform that bridges industry, academia and government, the event not only enhanced participants’ cybersecurity proficiency but also fostered an innovative mindset essential for driving future advancements in UAS technology.
As the industry continues to evolve, events like UAS Hack play a critical role in ensuring that emerging talent is well-equipped to meet the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow. The collaborative efforts between the 15 students, industry experts and sponsors have laid the groundwork for continued innovation and progress in the field of UAS cybersecurity.
