Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and John Thune, R-S.D., introduced a new bill on Feb. 7 that would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop cybersecurity guidelines for the Federal government’s use of drone vehicles.
The Drone Evaluation to Eliminate Cyber Threats Act of 2024 (DETECT Act) would direct NIST to develop the cybersecurity guidelines for civilian drones, as the senators said drones have the ability to collect sensitive information.
“Drones and unmanned systems have the capability to transform the way we do business, manage our infrastructure, and deliver life-saving medicine, and as drones become a larger part of our society, it’s crucial that we ensure their safety and security,” Sen. Warner said in a press release. “This legislation will establish sensible cybersecurity guidelines for drones used by the federal government to ensure that sensitive information is protected while we continue to invest in this new technology.”
The bill would also direct the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to test the cyber guidelines by requiring at least one Federal agency to implement them on a pilot basis.
At the end of the pilot period, the bill directs OMB to require every agency with civilian drones to implement policies and principles based on the NIST guidelines.
Additionally, OMB would need to issue guidance to agencies “governing the reporting of security vulnerabilities discovered in drones used by the agencies,” according to the release.
Although NIST’s guidelines would be voluntary for the private sector, the legislation would require government contractors to report any known security vulnerabilities to the Federal government.
“As the capabilities of drones continue to evolve and be utilized by both the Federal government and the private sector, it’s critically important that they operate securely,” said Sen. Thune. “This common-sense legislation would require the Federal government to follow stringent cybersecurity guidelines and protocols for drones and unmanned systems.”
