DIU hacked Russian software for UAV control

The Main Directorate of Intelligence has successfully executed a cyberattack against the Russian drone control system, causing disruptions in the drone control software.

The intelligence agency reported that the compromised software allowed Russian drone operators to configure control panels, create new ones, capture video, transmit images to the command post, and control drones directly from a computer, bypassing the need for a remote control. The software is also used to reflash drones and maintain the functionality of the friend-or-foe system.

As a result of the hacking, the servers supporting the system ceased to function, leading to the identification of all software as ‘foreign’ and denial of access.

«Without access to the servers and, consequently, the system, it is likely impossible to control the drones through the consoles», — DIU stated

Furthermore, the DIU revealed that in response to the cyberattack, Russian operators are attempting to address the issue by transitioning to manual control.