NFSU's ‘digital threat library' to advance drone forensics

Time of India

7 days ago

The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) is building a comprehensive "digital threat library" with an aim to identify the make of unmanned aerial vehicles that are being increasingly used in modern conflicts.
Recently, during Operation Sindoor, security forces recovered the debris of shot-down drones spanning from Kutch to Kashmir, with several identified as Turkish-made YIHA III kamikaze drones. In the past few years, drones of different designs have played both defensive and offensive roles in conflicts by countries from the US to Ukraine along with civilian use.
The current repository at NFSU includes data pertaining to 35 different types of drones from major manufacturer countries such as the US, China and Israel and comprising of 5,000 different parts and components.
"The drones seized by security forces are often damaged. Sometimes fragments of such unmanned aerial vehicles or unmanned aircraft systems (UAV/UAS) are found. The purpose of creating the library is to quickly identify the make of such UAVs and other details. We are in the process of expanding the library with latest models and details from other countries and manufacturers," said a senior NFSU official.
Security experts note that drone technology extends far beyond the commonly known quadcopters.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Roar into Style! Leopard Print Slim Fitting Dress!
Undo
Unleash Your Wild Side: Leopard Print Slim Dress!
Undo
Level Up Your Look: Men Tracksuit with Hoodie! Modefash.com
Undo
Get the Look: Rhinestone Juicy Sweatsuit - Shop Modefash!
Undo
Complete Your Look: Women's 3-Piece Sweatsuit -Modefash.com
Undo
Modefash.com: Chic Comfort! Women's 3-Piece Sweatsuit.
Undo
ModeFash.com: Shop Exclusive Deals & Save Big!
Undo
Modefash: Ultimate Comfort - Men's Tracksuit with Hoodie!
Undo
Sparkle & Shine: Trending Rhinestone Juicy Sweatsuit!
Undo
Don't Miss Out! Exclusive Deals at ModeFash.com!
Undo
The unmanned systems are categorized by design as either fixed-wing or single/multi-rotor configurations, range in size from micro to large-scale units, and can operate individually or in coordinated swarms.
The most common use of drones in security applications is intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), but it can also be used to evade air defence systems or used for direct attacks.
"While the make of the drones can help investigating agencies ascertain whether it is non-civilian or non-recreational in nature, based on visual match with database, digital forensics can help analyse telemetry data.
It is extracted from a flight controller or chip that can provide details such as flight path, origin and destination, altitude and so on," said an official.
The drone forensics experts make the identification based on its frame or chassis, flight controller, propeller, battery and other parts. Apart from military use, the repository aims to help police and paramilitary forces entrusted with protection of critical infrastructure and VVIPs.
"It will help solve crimes involving drones," the senior NFSU official said.
Dr J M Vyas, vice-chancellor of NFSU, said that UAVs/UASs play important roles across multiple sectors, making drone forensics the need of the hour and a timely addition to forensic science disciplines addressing emerging security threats.
"While the discipline has seen a growing student interest in the past couple of years, we are also training police, paramilitary and military officers in digital and drone forensics to equip them with technical know-how to handle drone-related security cases," he added.