Key Takeaways
- DJI is enhancing data privacy measures for government and commercial drone operators.
- The introduction of Local Data Mode will provide users with more control over their drone data by eliminating internet connectivity.
- Following an independent cybersecurity audit by FTI Consulting, the feature demonstrates DJI’s commitment to customer data protection.
- Local Data Mode, previously available in DJI Pilot app since 2017, will now extend to the DJI GO4 and DJI Fly apps for all recent drone models.
- The feature serves as an effective “internet kill switch” to prevent unauthorized data transmission.
DJI Strengthens Data Privacy for Drone Operators
September 9, 2020 – Renowned as a leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, DJI has announced significant enhancements to its data privacy measures, specifically aimed at government and commercial drone operators. The company’s latest initiative will see the rollout of the Local Data Mode feature, designed to eliminate internet connectivity during drone operations, thereby ensuring that sensitive flight data remains secure and confidential.
Previously available through the DJI Pilot app since 2017, Local Data Mode will be integrated into the DJI GO4 and DJI Fly flight control applications in the months to come. This expansion underscores DJI’s commitment to addressing the privacy concerns of its customers following an independent cybersecurity audit conducted by FTI Consulting, a respected global authority in cybersecurity.
Enhancing Operator Control
DJI states that the introduction of Local Data Mode offers added reassurance to government and commercial clients, including public safety agencies and other governmental bodies. By allowing operators to determine when and if their drone data is shared externally, this feature empowers users with greater control over their sensitive information. The functionality acts as a digital “kill switch,” preventing the transmission of any data over the internet while the mode is enabled.
Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs, shared the company’s perspective, stating, “For commercial and government customers who generate highly sensitive data and operate with rigorous data security protocols, Local Data Mode provides simple and effective operator-controlled assurance that no data from their flights will be transmitted over the internet… This expanded capability for DJI customers builds on the results of FTI’s independent analysis and demonstrates yet again that DJI empowers its customers to protect their data.”
Independent Validation of Local Data Mode
The FTI Consulting audit involved a thorough examination of DJI’s hardware and software, including a detailed source code review and a cybersecurity assessment of its devices. All products were independently procured for testing, and FTI was granted access to over 20 million lines of source code to assess in detail the communication protocols and their destinations.
The findings revealed that when Local Data Mode is activated, no data generated within the app or the drone is transmitted outside the local network. This validation reaffirms DJI’s commitment to data security, with FTI noting that, even while using mapping services via Local Data Mode, data transfers occur only with Mapbox, a trusted mapping provider.
Simplified Implementation of Local Data Mode
Enabling Local Data Mode is straightforward, with two options for operators: they can either fully activate the mode or combine it with access to map services. Enabling Local Data Mode cuts off all communications between the DJI app and the internet, effectively ensuring that all data remains secure and local.
Furthermore, if operators wish to utilize network-based mapping services while maintaining control over their data, they can opt to use the "Allow Map Services" feature, limiting internet communication exclusively to the trusted American service provider, Mapbox.
Advanced Solutions for Fleet Management
DJI continues to innovate by providing advanced fleet management tools through its FlightHub software. The findings from the FTI analysis indicated no evidence of external data transmission using FlightHub Enterprise, which is hosted on a customer’s local IT infrastructure, alongside the DJI Pilot PE application, tailored for use with FlightHub.
Additionally, DJI offers a Government Edition specifically crafted for high-security scenarios. This version of its software ensures that Local Data Mode is permanently activated, delivering the highest level of data security to operators in sensitive governmental missions.
A Commitment to Ongoing Cybersecurity
The recent announcement is a testament to DJI’s ongoing commitment to cybersecurity and data privacy, ensuring its drones are reliable for various missions across different environments. The firm continues to encourage responsible disclosure of security vulnerabilities and actively collaborates with independent U.S. cybersecurity experts to conduct thorough evaluations of its products.
For further details regarding DJI’s comprehensive cybersecurity framework and to access the executive summary of FTI’s analysis, visit DJI’s dedicated security page.
In a landscape where data privacy is increasingly paramount, DJI’s proactive measures place it at the forefront of the aerial imaging industry, ensuring that its customers can ascend with confidence.
