Drone Security Takes Flight: Mobilicom Framework Aligns with New DoD Cybersecurity Standards

By Carol Moore

As the use of drones and robotics continues to proliferate across military, commercial, and industrial applications, concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities are escalating. Now, one company, Mobilicom, is positioning itself at the forefront of a rapidly evolving landscape with a new cybersecurity framework designed to meet the stringent demands of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and address the growing threat of malicious attacks.

Mobilicom’s ‘Secured Autonomy™ Framework’ aims to provide continuous, automated, and mission-centric cybersecurity for unmanned systems. The framework is built upon the company’s OS3 platform and is bolstered by strategic partnerships with Aitech and ARK Electronics, delivering integrated hardware and software solutions tailored for the U.S. defense market.

Meeting the DoD’s Evolving Needs

The timing of this launch is crucial. The DoD is increasingly focused on bolstering cybersecurity across all platforms, leading to the implementation of stricter regulations like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and, more recently, a renewed emphasis on continuous monitoring and threat detection, culminating in frameworks like the newly emphasized DoD’s CSRMC. “The DoD is realizing that traditional security approaches are no longer sufficient in the face of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks,” explains one anonymous industry analyst. “They need proactive, automated solutions that can adapt to evolving threats.”

The $79 billion defense cybersecurity market is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by these concerns and the increasing reliance on unmanned systems. While several sources show different figures, the consensus points to a CAGR of around 8-12% through the end of the decade.

A Framework for Resilience

Mobilicom’s approach centers around continuous active cybersecurity, providing real-time monitoring, detection, and prevention of security threats. This is achieved through the integration of advanced technologies like AI-powered threat analytics, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and secure communication protocols.

“The key is to move beyond reactive security measures and embrace a proactive, continuous monitoring approach,” says an anonymous cybersecurity expert familiar with the project. “This allows you to identify and mitigate threats before they can cause significant damage.”

The framework’s modular design and open architecture allow for seamless integration with a wide range of platforms and sensors. This flexibility is particularly important for the DoD, which operates a diverse array of unmanned systems across different branches and applications.

Strategic Partnerships Fuel Innovation

To accelerate the development and deployment of its framework, Mobilicom has forged strategic partnerships with leading technology companies.

• Aitech: The collaboration with Aitech has resulted in the launch of a joint solution combining Mobilicom’s OS3 software with Aitech’s rugged, NVIDIA-based AI supercomputers. This integrated solution provides high-performance AI-on-the-edge processing with embedded cybersecurity for larger and faster drones in the Group 2 and 3 UAS categories.
• ARK Electronics: The partnership with ARK Electronics focuses on developing affordable, cybersecure solutions for mini and small-sized drones and robotics platforms. The collaboration combines ARK’s NDAA-compliant hardware with Mobilicom’s OS3 platform, resulting in a compact, scalable solution for a wide range of applications.

These partnerships are crucial for delivering a complete, integrated solution that meets the demanding requirements of the defense market. “Combining expertise and resources allows us to accelerate innovation and deliver a more robust and reliable solution,” states an anonymous Mobilicom representative.

Competition Heats Up

The drone and robotics cybersecurity market is becoming increasingly competitive, with a mix of established defense contractors and specialized cybersecurity firms vying for market share. Major players like Airbus Defence and Space, Boeing, and BAE Systems are investing heavily in cybersecurity capabilities, while specialized firms like Dedrone, DroneSec, and Fortem Technologies are focusing on niche applications like counter-UAS systems and threat intelligence.

However, Mobilicom differentiates itself through its focus on continuous, automated cybersecurity and its alignment with the DoD’s evolving requirements. “Many existing solutions are still largely reactive,” says the anonymous industry analyst. “Mobilicom’s proactive approach is a significant advantage.”

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the promising outlook, several challenges remain. The rapid pace of technological innovation and the evolving threat landscape require continuous adaptation and investment in research and development. Ensuring interoperability between different systems and platforms is also a key challenge.

However, the opportunities are significant. The growing demand for unmanned systems across various industries, coupled with the increasing focus on cybersecurity, is creating a vast market for innovative solutions. Mobilicom’s Secured Autonomy™ Framework, with its focus on continuous monitoring, automation, and strategic partnerships, is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity.

“The future of drone and robotics security lies in proactive, adaptive solutions that can keep pace with the evolving threat landscape,” concludes the anonymous cybersecurity expert. “Mobilicom’s framework is a step in the right direction.”