Strix Interceptor

Presented at DEF CON 31 (2023), Aug. 11, 2023, 10 a.m. (115 minutes).

The development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has revolutionized data collection, but security challenges have emerged. In response, Strix is a security testing UAV designed to intercept other UAVs in flight while adhering to legal limitations. It utilizes software analysis to detect and track unauthorized UAVs, predicting their flight path without compromising itself. Strix also encompasses ground-based support systems for enhanced mission effectiveness. The ground-based robots and drones can perform tasks such as reconnaissance, target identification, and data analysis to enhance the effectiveness of Strix's mission.The drone can detect RF anti-drone systems and, if identified, utilize multi-RF spoofing technology to disrupt or block their signals. This allows Strix to enter protected airspace undetected, while staying within legal bounds when required. Strix was designed to identify other UAVs and attempt to jam or possibly control their signals to their flight operators. Its hardware includes sensors, a robust communication system, and the Pixhawk autonomous flight module, which provides open-source flexibility and customization options.Strix's small and agile design enables high-speed flight and maneuverability in confined spaces. Advanced encryption ensures data security during collection and transmission. As an open-source project, Strix encourages customization and collaboration, making it an invaluable tool for securing airspace and mitigating UAV threats. Its interception capabilities and defensive measures, including multi-RF spoofing, contribute to UAV-driven security systems while respecting legal considerations. This makes it a powerful tool for securing airspace and preventing unauthorized UAVs from posing a threat. Its ability to detect and intercept UAVs in flight, coupled with its defensive capabilities against anti-drone systems, including the ability to employ multi-RF spoofing technology, makes Strix an essential component of any security system that relies on UAVs for data collection and analysis. Strix aims to showcase the potential of UAVs in a lawful and responsible manner, promoting safety, innovation, and ethical practices within the drone industry.


Presenters:

  • Lexie Thach
    Lexie Thach is a dedicated cybersecurity professional who has spent nearly a decade honing her skills in various roles within the industry. Throughout her journey, she has had the privilege of gaining invaluable experience in diverse cybersecurity domains, including ICS/SCADA and avionics security. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Lexie has developed a genuine passion for electrical engineering, programming, and robotics engineering, despite not having a conventional academic background. She is currently working towards completing her studies, constantly striving to expand her knowledge and capabilities.Lexie's journey began at a young age when she made the decision to serve her country in the US Airforce. For a period of eight years, she had the opportunity to contribute her expertise in cyber security and tactical networks for aircraft missions and operations. It was during this time that she was exposed to the complexities of intercepting aircraft, particularly drones, and learned valuable lessons from observing the tactics and techniques employed by state actors, hacker groups, and organizations. Drawing from her diverse experiences and the challenges she faced, Lexie has embarked on projects centered around securing and assessing the security of autonomous systems. Her passion is rooted in the desire to share the techniques she has learned and to contribute to the advancement of secure autonomous systems.

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