Madison Harvey - Protecting Against Attack Drones

Summary:  Drones are fun for hobbyist and can be beneficial in many ways other than fun.  Large drones play a crucial role in our military efforts around the world but the small recreational drones can pose a threat to us where large amounts of people gather.  Despite being one of the most popular Christmas gifts for the past few years when in the wrong hands can be deadly.  The secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson said, "This is something they have planned for and there is technology to deal with it."  In October, an ISIS drone strapped with a bomb exploded in Mosul, Iraq, killing two Peshmerga soldiers and leaving two French soldiers wounded.  U.S. special forces now call these armed drones IED's or improvised explosive devices.  One of the companies called DroneShied has technology that can detect and take control of an incoming enemy drone.  DroneShield uses an array of parabolic microphones that can detect the sounds of the machines rotor blades.  Once a drone is spotted, an agent uses a DroneShield gun to fire radio waves at the drone disrupting communication between the drone and its pilot and the agent can then safely force the drone land.  Another company, Department 13, detects such threats by "sniffing" the airwaves for drone WIFI and GPS signals.  Once detected their computer hacks into the drone, giving the good guys control.

Analysis:  This article was published on the NBC News website on January 19, 2017 by Kerry Sanders and Matthew Vann to inform the public about the latest technology that is being used to protect us from potential threats.  It is comforting to know that there are those that are aware of the dangers that could become of these drones when in the wrong hands and are working diligently to protect us from them.  I believe these drones will be an enormous benefit in many ways.  They could be used to deliver life saving medicine to emergency personnel in a fraction of time of driving.  I look forward to seeing other things people will come up with that we will all benefit from.

http://www.nbcnews.com/mach/features/trump-inauguration-spotlights-new-ways-protect-crowds-deadly-attack-drones-n708646