Secure Data Mode from Airhub allows you to fly DJI drones safely

Dutch drone company AirHub offers a Secure Data Mode option that enables enterprise users to safely fly DJI drones without concerns of any data possibly being leaked to China.

Fly DJI drones safely with AirHub Secure Data Mode

Not long ago, DJI drone users were concerned about reports of the possible leakage of sensitive data to servers in China.

In The Netherlands, these concerns prompted parliamentary questions about the use of DJI drones by government organizations. App developer AirHub has now come up with a solution that allows users to continue flying DJI drones, but with full control over their data and privacy.

AirHub Secure Data Mode

For years, there has been a lot of talk about potential cybersecurity issues when using DJI drones. When research platform Investico paid attention to this on September 29, 2021, this led to a lot of commotion in the media in the Netherlands, and questions were even asked about the use of DJI drones by the Police, Rijkswaterstaat, and other governments.

Concerns about possible security issues with the use of DJI drones also led to many questions from customers at AirHub. For this reason, AirHub has researched a solution in which DJI's hardware can continue to be used, while control and data processing runs via the AirHub app and server. So that the risk of possible data leaks is prevented.

According to AirHub, almost all of their customers use drones from DJI, as the value for money is unmatched by drones from competing brands. In addition, many customers indicate that they have made significant investments in DJI hardware and would like to continue using these drones for that reason.

One solution is to use your own control app so that you are not dependent on DJI software. AirHub is an example of such an app. And thanks to the new Secure Data Mode, which was developed in consultation with customers and rolled out in early January 2022, users gain full control over their data and privacy.

Secure connection

Thanks to tight integration with DJI's control software, drone pilots can use all the functionalities as they were used to via the AirHub app. The new Secure Data Mode has now been added, with which a drone pilot can block all unnecessary and non-essential outgoing data.

Blocking works through the AirHub Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection that the AirHub app establishes once Secure Data Mode is activated. The AirHub VPN monitors the data connection and automatically blocks all unnecessary outgoing data. In this way, the security risks can be limited and all drones from DJI can be used safely.

All functions available

The unique thing about the Secure Data Mode is that all outgoing data from the drone is sent and monitored via the AirHub platform. In this way, outgoing data for functionalities such as video streaming, unlocking geofences, and airspace data can be whitelisted and these functions still work. In this way, drone flights can be performed in a safe and efficient manner, meeting the safety requirements of any organization.

The security solution works for any type of drone controlled via the iOS version of the AirHub app, suitable for iPhone and iPad. AirHub is also currently working on a solution for the DJI Smart Controller, which will be available in the course of 2022. In addition, there will also be an integration with Parrot so that drones of that brand can also be linked to the secure AirHub control app.

AirHub can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play. To be able to use the Secure Data Mode, you must upgrade to an Enterprise subscription.

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This article first appeared on Dronewatch and is written by Wiebe de Jager who is also a DroneXL contributor.

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