NPCC Security Bulletin: Drone Target Electric Infrastructure

TLP: WHITE

November 10, 2021

Suspected Drone Attack on Electric Infrastructure

In an October 28, 2021 Joint intelligence memo found that a July 2020 incident of a modified unmanned aircraft system was determined to likely be used in an attack on a Pennsylvania substation. Please see article links below:

• Drone at Pennsylvania electric substation was first to 'specifically target energy infrastructure,' according to federal law enforcement bulletin - CNN Politics
• Video Intelligence bulletin reveals potential plot to disrupt US electrical grid - ABC News (go.com)

Attack Tactics:

• A copper wire was attached by two strings to a small drone to potentially cause a fault on substation equipment.
• Drone was discovered with its camera and memory card removed.

Mitigation Activities:

• CISA released PROTECTING AGAINST THE THREAT OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) which outlines awareness and mitigation measures.