Cybersecurity in sUAS Operations

About the Certification

This certification validates an individual's foundational knowledge of cybersecurity as it applies to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The recipient has demonstrated an understanding of common cyber threats, the importance of securing UAS networks and data, as well as proficiency in penetration testing, incident response, and strategies for protecting endpoint devices and sensitive information.

Skills You'll Gain:

• Penetration Testing
• Prevention of Cyber-Attacks
• End Point Security
• Data Protection
• And More!

Great For:

• Entry-level employees or individuals seeking employment in the unmanned aviation industry
• Newly hired staff working at Part 135 or Part 108 Operators

Certification Process

Step 1: Optional Completion of the Prep Course

The online course has 150 hours of content, including explanation videos, practice exams, and original content developed by our team of experts.

Step 2: Take the Exam

The independent, third-party exam is proctored online or in-person and consists of 70 multiple-choice questions. Participants have 1.5 hours to complete the exam and must achieve a 70% or greater score to earn the certification. Individuals are allowed up to three attempts to pass. Accommodations are available as needed.

Step 3: Maintain your certification

Certification is valid for 24 months; recertification is accomplished by completing recurrent training.

NOTE: Curriculum is available through USI to prepare for the exam but is not required to sit for the proctored certification exam. Recertification is assessed by a third-party, independent provider.

What You'll Learn in the Prep Course

The preparatory course consists of seven modules:

Module 1: Reviews the essential elements of UAS, including terminology, types of systems, and their key components.

Module 2: Covers the foundational principles of cybersecurity, including basic threats, defense mechanisms, and best practices for protecting UAS networks.

Module 3: Introduces methods for identifying vulnerabilities in UAS systems through simulated cyberattacks and security assessments.

Module 4: Explores various types of cyberattacks targeting UAS, such as malware, hacking, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and their impacts.

Module 5: Focuses on securing devices that connect to UAS networks, such as ground control stations, remote controllers, and mobile interfaces.

Module 6: Addresses strategies for protecting sensitive UAS data, including encryption, data handling practices, and secure storage.

Module 7: Covers procedures for detecting, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents involving UAS systems.

Delivery Format

• This is an online, self-paced, and instructor-supported course.
• The course materials are provided online via USI’s Learning Management System.
• Instructor sessions are delivered using Microsoft Teams.
• You will have 12 months to complete the course and exam, which starts from the date you purchase the course.

Career Pathways

This course is part of the following pathways:

• UAS Maintenance Technician (UMXT®) Pathway