Researchers at the University of California (UC) Irvine have discovered a surprisingly simple way to defend against strike drones: open an umbrella.
Dubbed the “FlyTrap,” the method uses distinctive, colorful patterns on umbrellas to deceive the target-tracking components of drones.
The patterns make drones perceive the umbrella holder as moving away, causing them to fly closer until they crash or can be captured with a net gun.
Unlike other counter-drone systems that merely redirect drones, the FlyTrap approach can neutralize them entirely through collision or capture.
“Autonomous target tracking represents both tremendous potential and significant risk,” Alfred Chen, research co-author and assistant professor of computer science at UC Irvine, said.
“While law enforcement and security agencies are adopting this technology for border patrol and public safety, it’s also being misused by criminals for stalking and other malicious purposes. Our work is the first comprehensive security study of this widely deployed technology.”
No Wirings Needed
Umbrellas employing the FlyTrap method work immediately when opened, with no external signals or wireless connectivity required.
Researchers said it functions across different weather and lighting conditions, using progressive strategies to manipulate a variety of drone algorithms.
Chen and his team tested the trick on commercial drones, including the DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Neo, and HoverAir X1.
Use Cases
Early tests suggest the FlyTrap trick could be an effective defense against drone attacks. Chen cautioned, however, that criminals might exploit it to evade law enforcement drones.
Border-patrol drones and other aerial systems could also be neutralized by such a method, while individuals being harassed by drones could use it to defend themselves.
“Our findings highlight urgent needs for security improvements in [autonomous target-tracking] systems before wider deployment in critical infrastructure,” said Shaoyuan Xie, research lead author and current UC Irvine graduate student in computer science.
“If it’s that easy to seize control over an autonomous drone, operating them in public or in critical security or law enforcement settings should be reconsidered.”
