TELECOM TECHNOLOGY CENTER

The UAV Cybersecurity Joint Laboratory, established by Telecom Technology Center (TTC), has completed Taiwan's first “Cybersecurity Assurance Specification for Drones.”

Drones are autonomous aircraft that do not require manual operation and can collaborate to complete various tasks such as swarm performances, aerial logistics, and aerial photography. While drones provide significant convenience, their high mobility also increases cybersecurity and privacy risks, underscoring the urgent need for robust security measures. In response, the Executive Yuan convened government agencies to discuss the creation of a drone cybersecurity testing mechanism, and instructed TTC, affiliated with the Ministry of Digital Affairs (moda), to establish the UAV Cybersecurity Joint Laboratory in partnership with private cybersecurity firms, including CHT Security Co., Ltd., Onward Security Corporation, and Digiforen Technology Co., Ltd. The laboratory recently completed the draft of the country's first "Cybersecurity Assurance Specification for Drones", and held a "Drone Cybersecurity Testing Specification Briefing," inviting drone-related companies to jointly discuss the applicability and feasibility of the specification.

The briefing was attended by 33 drone manufacturers. TTC CEO Hui-Tang Lin delivered remarks on behalf of the organizer. Distinguished guests from various government agencies delivered remarks and provided guidance, including Director-General Ming-Tsung Cheng of the Department of Communications and Cyber Resilience of moda, Deputy Executive Secretary Horn-Jiunn Sheen of the Office of Science and Technology Policy of the National Science and Technology Council, and Deputy Director-General Jiunn-Liang Lin of the Civil Aviation Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. In his speech, CEO Lin highlighted that drones now have a wide range of applications due to their high maneuverability and improved flight control and navigation technologies. The joint laboratory established by TTC will conduct testing to address the cybersecurity issues arising from these advancements and raise cybersecurity standards. Director-General Cheng emphasized that government agencies are highly concerned about cybersecurity issues due to the recent widespread applications of drones and expressed the intent to engage in exchanges with major manufacturers through this briefing to refine the cybersecurity specification. Deputy Executive Secretary Sheen noted that drone cybersecurity issues are becoming increasingly severe and expressed hope that relevant testing will be conducted at the joint laboratory in March next year. Deputy Director-General Lin explained that the cybersecurity specification will be incorporated into the requirements of civil aviation regulations in the future, and a public hearing will be held for manufacturers to participate in exchanges.

During the briefing, the TTC first introduced the structure and subsequent operating model of the "UAV Cybersecurity Joint Laboratory," and explained the contents of the draft Cybersecurity Assurance Specification for Drones. During the exchange session, joint laboratory members and industry representatives engaged in robust discussions on the draft's content. The joint laboratory will compile industry feedback and incorporate it into the revised specification and will formally release the “Cybersecurity Assurance Specification for Drones” at the end of this year.

The "UAV Cybersecurity Joint Laboratory" is expected to officially launch its testing services in March 2023, helping the drone industry strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with cyberattacks. Going forward, the Laboratory will actively align with international drone cybersecurity standards, assist domestic drone manufacturers in obtaining cybersecurity-related certifications for their products, and enhance the global competitiveness of Taiwan’s drone industry.