Parrot Boosts Drone Security with WISeKey Tech

European drone maker Parrot is partnering with global cybersecurity firm WISeKey to enhance digital security for Parrot’s ANAFI UAV product line.

WISeKey’s VaultIC4xx tech will integrate into Parrot’s inflight control systems and infrastructure to boost security of drone flights and recorded data for professional users. The tech will help prove the drone’s digital identity and protect data and firmware against hacking.

A Parrot spokesperson said the partnership will “provide solutions compliant with the world’s most strict privacy regulations and will set a new paradigm of standards for future innovations.”

“This guarantees a secure connection between the controller and the drone. WISeKey’s VaultIC4xx secure elements are certified by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) following FIPS140-2 Level 3 standard, one of the strongest and globally recognized digital security levels. These are developed on Common Criteria EAL5+ certified hardware, another government grade security certification.”

“As drone use continues to climb exponentially within the professional sector, Parrot understands the immense need for cutting edge cybersecurity standards and capabilities to ensure the ongoing protection of valuable data,” said Victor Vuillard, Parrot’s Chief Security Officer/CTO Cybersecurity.

“Our partnership with WISeKey will further secure our ANAFI drones’ infrastructure, redefine modern drone security, and deliver peace of mind to our professional users.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Parrot as we continue our company’s mission to secure digital identity, firmware and sensitive data, and extend the applications of our technologies into new markets and growing industries across the globe,” said Carlos Moreira, WISeKey’s Founder and CEO.

“Drones are increasingly used for sensitive operations thus remain a key target of bad actors. Through the powerful ANAFI drone platform, we look forward to driving a stronger future for drone cybersecurity.”

Earlier this month, partnered with French automatic-drone startup Hoverseen to deploy Parrot’s enterprise-level ANAFI drone as an automated, drone-in-a-box surveillance solution capable of dispatching and charging from a lightweight docking and recharging station.

In June, Parrot released the ANAFI USA as a compelling alternative to DJI, amid the Chinese manufacturer’s security issues. Marketed for security agencies, the USA is “an American -manufactured, rugged and feature-loaded system at a reasonable price point.”