Drone cyber security industry eyes major pie in the sky

The drone cybersecurity industry has a crucial role to play as it protects drones from cyber-attacks. It is driven by the need to keep sensitive data safe and ensure operational safety.

Coming under the software segment, the drone cybersecurity industry held over 44 per cent share in 2023. It is expected to register an appreciable CAGR from 2024-2032 due to their role in protecting data and ensuring secure communication between drones and control systems.

The industry’s market size was estimated at $1.38 billion in 2023 and $1.9 billion) in 2024 to $5.5 billion by 2032. The CAGR is projected to be around 14.2 per cent during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).

The Indian drone market is estimated to grow from $654 million in 2024 to $1,437 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 17 per cent during the forecast period. The drone volume is projected to grow from 10,803 units in 2024 to 61,393 units by 2029.

The drone cybersecurity market is experiencing significant growth, primarily driven by the increasing adoption of drones across various sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and defence.

As organisations leverage drone technology for improved efficiency and operational capabilities, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has become paramount.

High-profile incidents of cyber-attacks and data breaches involving drones have heightened awareness about the vulnerabilities that these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face. Moreover, regulatory pressures and the establishment of more stringent compliance standards are prompting companies to prioritize investments in cybersecurity solutions specifically tailored for drone operations.

The rising reliance on drones across various business sectors has been nothing short of revolutionary. From agriculture to real estate, from surveillance to delivery services, drones are carving out an irreplaceable niche due to their efficiency and versatility. However, as their usage becomes more widespread, the sphere of cybersecurity threats looms larger, presenting a complex battlefront for businesses. This emerging challenge underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect these invaluable assets from malicious attacks. Let’s delve into the dynamics of drone operations, the evolving cyber threats they face, and how businesses can armour themselves against these vulnerabilities. "The demand for secure non-Chinese drones is growing the world over and more so in India, which has an opportunity to leverage its domestic consumption and global reputation as a trustworthy technology partner built by the IT sector to evolve into a global drone hub. This can only be achieved by India moving deeper into the component level supply chain from the current assembly of imported components level that it is in today”.

Drone cybersecurity is turning out to be an absolute must-have for India in particular and global users in general especially after the often quoted electronic warfare threats in Ukraine and the Hezbollah pager attack in Lebanon.

The government should recognise this huge national as well as global opportunity and support companies involved in Component manufacturing, cyber, data security and analysis for drones

A Design linked Incentive (DLI) coupled with a PLI that supports use of only domestically produced components by OEMs will boost the sector in a big way.

“As the industry awaits the Union Budget 2025, we anticipate strategic initiatives that will further bolster the growth. There is all-round optimism that advancements in this area will not only propel the drone sector forward but also have a positive ripple effect on businesses operating in India," says Sai Pattabiram, founder and Managing Director, Zuppa Geo Navigations Technologies Pvt Ltd. However, this growth is matched by an escalation in cyber threats targeting drone operations. The interconnected nature of drone technology, while a boon for efficiency and scalability, also opens numerous vectors for cyber-attacks. Such vulnerabilities are not just a concern for businesses but a significant security concern at the national level. The potential of drones to transform various industry sectors is immense and so are the cybersecurity challenges they bring. Understanding the threats and adopting a multi-layered security strategy is crucial for businesses that rely on drone technology. Regular updates, secure communication protocols, and employee training are foundational elements of this strategy. Furthermore, keeping an eye on the horizon for new threats and technological advancements will be essential for staying one step ahead in this rapidly evolving domain. As the drone industry continues to grow, the emphasis on cybersecurity must grow correspondingly. By prioritising the security of drone operations, businesses not only protect their assets and data but also contribute to the overall safety and reliability of this transformative technology.