Concerns of Today: Cybersecurity Challenges in Drone Operations
Cybersecurity experts gathered at this year’s Level Zero OT Cybersecurity Conference to address emerging risks targeting critical infrastructure.
The 2026 Level Zero OT Cybersecurity Conference, organized by (CS)²AI and held at Georgia Tech, brought together cybersecurity experts from across industries to address the complex challenges of securing critical infrastructure from level zero to the cloud.
With a focus on integrating engineering, cybersecurity, and risk management, the conference offered attendees an opportunity to explore the latest approaches for navigating the convergence of digital systems and physical processes, learn how to integrate engineering and cybersecurity in their daily operations, and connect with industry peers, thought leaders, and IT/OT cybersecurity experts.
Among this year’s presenters was Saman Zonouz, director of the Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity (OMS Cybersecurity) Cyber-Physical Systems track. His presentation, titled “Securing the Skies: Cybersecurity Challenges and AI-Driven Threats in Drone Operations,” offered attendees insights into innovative defense mechanisms, including AI-powered intrusion detection and resilient control algorithms tailored for drone security.
Zonouz, who also teaches Georgia Tech’s Cybersecurity of Drones course, provided a brief history of drones, discussed how they have been used to target critical infrastructure in recent geopolitical conflicts, and highlighted their evolving vulnerabilities.
“Early on, there was a lack of standards. The security focus was very inconsistent and inadequate. The attention was placed mainly on safety and not on cybersecurity,” he said.
During the engaging session, Zonouz also outlined the key components of a drone and stressed the importance of designing them in accordance with codes of ethics, public safety, and national security.
Explore the Cybersecurity of Drones course
The Cybersecurity of Drones course, which is part of the OMS Cybersecurity program, offers an in-depth exploration of the security and privacy challenges associated with cyber-physical systems, with a specific focus on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). From a larger perspective, in today's geopolitical landscape, this course is vital for national security, especially as drones have become central to modern warfare and espionage efforts.
Learn more about OMS Cybersecurity
In our technology-reliant world, there's a need for a wide range of cybersecurity professionals to safeguard devices and systems essential to our daily lives. Georgia Tech's OMS Cybersecurity provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes specialized education and training designed to prepare you with the necessary skills and knowledge to boost your cybersecurity career. Register for an upcoming info session to learn more.
