Backed by new polling data that found U.S. consumers believe that cyber-attacks on uncrewed vehicles would be “a big deal,” the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International today announced it is teaming up with Fortress Information Security.
The two organizations shared they are developing a cybersecurity model and a suite of voluntary standards designed to address cyber risks for robots and uncrewed systems. The goal is to establish the framework in less than a year.
Building off voluntary standards for utilities
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), claims it is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of uncrewed systems and robotics. It represents corporations and professionals from more than 60 countries involved in industry, government, and academia. AUVSI members work in the defense, civil and commercial markets. The association hosts XPONENTIAL, an annual trade show focused on autonomous driving and uncrewed systems.
Fortress Information Security said it secures critical industries from cybersecurity and operational threats stemming from vendors, assets, and software in their supply chains.
The pair will be build off the work Fortress has done to develop voluntary risk based standards for the utilities industry. The effort will be spearheaded by AUVSI to build consensus.
“Uncrewed vehicles – air, ground, and maritime – are relied upon for national defense, public safety, commercial delivery, critical infrastructure inspection and more. These technologies are increasingly part of the economic foundation for nations across the globe,” said Michael Robbins, executive vice president for government and public affairs at AUVSI.
“A cyber-secure foundation built on universal industry standards among industry stakeholders and suppliers will help to ensure the economic and operational potential of uncrewed vehicles is reached,” he added.
Consumers say uncrewed vehicles need protection from cyber-attacks
To help gauge interest and awareness, the pair conducted a poll involving 911 American consumers on Aug. 16. The survey had a margin of error of +/- 3%.
Here are some key findings from the poll
- 69% said it is important for the uncrewed vehicle industry (civilian/gov't/military) to coordinate and share cybersecurity data
- 76% said that a cyberattack on uncrewed military vehicles would be a big deal, but 65% do not think an attack should stop their use
- 67% said a cyber attack on a driverless delivery vehicle would be a big deal, but 70% said an attack shouldn't shut them down
- 72% said an attack on an uncrewed first responder vehicle would be a big deal, but 67% say an attack should not stop their use
- 38% believe that self-driving cars will be seen regularly within five years
- 29% believe that self-driving trucks/fleet vehicles will be seen regularly on roads in the next five years
AUVSI to form working group
AUVSI said it is creating a collaborative industry working group to ensure the value proposition to the industry of this effort is clear and that the cyber risk mitigation tools make sense.
The working group will consist of AUVSI member organizations with subject-matter expertise that work together with Fortress to begin the development of the cybersecurity framework.
“The proactive development of industry standards makes products and services more secure and builds trust from governments and regulators, propelling innovation to new heights,” said Tobias Whitney, vice president of strategy and policy for Fortress. “We look forward to partnering with AUVSI in a collaborative effort to make the uncrewed vehicle industry – manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers – resilient and cyber secure.”
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