AUVSI works with Defense on cybersecurity certification for commercial drones

AUVSI’s Trusted Cyber Program will offer commercial drone certification based on DIU Blue UAS methodology

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is collaborating with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to further commercial cyber methodologies to build a shared standard. The standard would be similar to one used to develop DIU’s Blue UAS Cleared List.

AUVSI’s effort is designed to expand the number of vetted uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) that meet congressional and federal agency drone security requirements.

DIU accelerates commercial technology for national security. Its Blue UAS program launched in 2021 is aimed at prototyping and scaling capable and secure commercial UAS technology for the Department of Defense (DOD).

“The goal of this new pilot initiative is to extend relevant cyber credentialing across the U.S. industrial base, proactively, streamlining and accelerating capabilities available to the DOD and the rest of the U.S. government,” said Brian Wynne, AUVSI president and CEO. “We are grateful for DIU’s partnership and look forward to working with them to make the U.S. drone industry more resilient and secure.”

AUVSI efforts will streamline the vetting process and expand potential small UAS entrants to the government through its Trusted Cyber Program. The industry-led cyber compliance effort will work with a suite of cybersecurity firms to provide technical cyber assessments. DIU, DOD and other government organizations can then conduct additional vetting if needed.

The Blue UAS program has helped establish a cybersecurity baseline and coordinate government efforts to streamline the approval process for commercially available NDAA-compliant drones. Thirteen drones are scheduled to be added to the Blue UAS Cleared List, but demand for additional cleared drones with new capabilities has outpaced DIU’s ability to scale this critical program, because of limited funding and manpower. Because of its unique position in the market, AUVSI and its Trusted Cyber Program will provide this cybersecurity certification pathway to the commercial industry in close coordination with DIU.

“Commercial-off-the-shelf UAS are increasingly relied upon by federal agencies as critical tools to conduct diverse operations,” said David Michelson, DIU program manager for Blue UAS. “Partnerships with industry that make it easier for federal users to access commercial technology will help achieve the program’s goals.”