UC Irvine researchers expose critical security vulnerability in autonomous drones
Reports and Proceedings
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 2-Apr-2026 16:15 ET (2-Apr-2026 20:15 GMT/UTC)
UC Irvine researchers discovered an attack technique that defeats autonomous target-tracking drones. The approach uses an umbrella with a unique graphic pattern that draws drones in to be captured with a net or forced to crash. Research has implications for border security, law enforcement and personal privacy. The UC Irvine team is sharing its results at a prestigious security conference. Funding was provided by NASA and the National Science Foundation.
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