Protect Critical Infrastructure and Public Gatherings

Overview

The reckless and criminal use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pose significant risk to critical infrastructure security and public safety.  

Careless and clueless operators often ignore or lack awareness of federal regulations that hinder flight in protected or restricted airspace. Reckless UAS flights can jeopardize the safety of passenger aircraft and put fans in packed stadiums at risk. 

Criminals use UAS and various payloads to conduct illegal activity, including: 

• Intentionally harassing security staff and disrupting operations. 
• Conducting surveillance to support theft and espionage. 
• Smuggling contraband across the U.S. border and into prisons. 
• Delivering cyberattack tools to compromise sensitive information and networks. 

Violent extremists consider UAS an effective tool to conduct attacks on critical infrastructure and public gatherings. Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East continue to demonstrate effective ways to weaponize UAS.  

What Actions Can You Take?

Incorporate UAS Threats into Risk Assessments

Assess critical assets and areas that may be most vulnerable to UAS. Identify and monitor possible launch and landing zones on or near your facility. Reevaluate security postures, CCTV cameras, and camera views to consider aerial threats. 

Use "No Drone Zone" Signs

Post "No Drone Zone" signs in areas where UAS takeoff or landing is restricted by state or local laws. 

Incorporate UAS Into Emergency Response Plans

Update emergency response plans to include UAS incidents and responses, such as evacuation protocols, visible hazardous attachments, or payload size.  

Establish Render Safe Procedures

Establish procedures for safely handling downed UAS and ensure that any downed UAS are rendered safe and properly handled to prevent potential harm, disruption or destruction of evidence. Integrate these procedures into Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Train Employees to Recognize UAS Activity

Train employees to recognize and report suspicious UAS activity.

Conduct Exercises

Regularly plan and conduct exercises to test and prepare response capabilities in the case of a UAS incident. CISA’s Tabletop Exercise Packages (CTEP), which include several UAS incident scenarios, are available for download. 

Spread the Word

Use social media and other platforms to promote safe, legal UAS operations. 

Connect with CISA Security Advisors

Protective Security Advisors and Cyber Security Advisors in CISA Regional Offices provide partners with critical infrastructure protection guidance, vulnerability mitigation strategies, and cybersecurity assistance. Consult your local security advisors for facility and operation-specific UAS threat mitigation.

Utilize Detection, Tracking, and Identification Technologies

Consider using UAS detection, tracking, identification (DTI) technology, and Remote ID receivers to enhance situational awareness of UAS activity.  

• Engage legal counsel before employing detection technology as certain systems may violate federal statutes and regulations. For more information, refer to the Interagency Legal Advisory on the Application of Federal Laws to the Acquisition and Use of Technology to Detect and Mitigate Unmanned Aircraft Systems. 
• Consult UAS detection technology experts before the installation of UAS detection software and hardware within your facility, as urban environments, specific placement and elevation may impact the efficacy of the technology.  
• NOTE: Counter-UAS (C-UAS) equipment is currently not authorized for state, local, territorial, tribal, and private sector entities and requires authorized federal operation. Refer to the Department of Homeland Security Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Legal Authorities Fact Sheet for further guidance. 

Request a Temporary Flight Restriction

Contact your CISA Regional Office or sUASsecurity@cisa.dhs.gov for more information on requesting FAA temporary flight restrictions for significant events and public gatherings. 

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