security technology market Commercial drones pose security threat to the West London, UK Commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a growing security threat in the West, according to jihadist media monitoring conducted by Jane’s by IHS Markit, a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions. “The Islamic State’s use of weaponised UAVs represents a growing security threat to the region and in the West more generally,” says Otso Iho, senior analyst, Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Centre (JTIC). The JTIC team monitored and analysed the growing use of UAVs for operational purposes by militant Islamist groups over the past 12 months, covering a broad range of propaganda channels and formats. Is already in use by Islamists The Islamic State has been the most notable and predominant militant group making use of UAVs in both propaganda and tactical military contexts. However, other militant groups in Iraq and Syria have used UAVs for reconnaissance and propaganda, and also to conduct attacks on their adversaries. Harakat Ahrar al-Sham alIslamiyya illustrated its use of reconnaissance UAVs in its video “Winds of Rage” in 2016, while groups such as Hizbullah and Hamas have made use of UAVs against Israel. More recently, Islamist militant group Jund al-Aqsa released a video on 2 September 2016 purportedly showing a UAV dropping small, unguided explosive devices on military positions in Syria’s Hama governorate. The Islamic State has subsequently built on this, conducting multiple such attacks on security forces during ongoing fighting in the Iraqi city of Mosul, which it highlighted in its “Knights of the Departments” video released on 24 January. Propaganda may inspire Otso Iho emphasizes that the Islamic State is very particular with its propaganda. ”The group uses it as a weapon to inspire at home and abroad, When it calls on its followers to conduct attacks with knives, vehicles, and IEDs, the calls are answered. As such, the more frequent use of weaponised UAVs in videos – and the wider commercial availability of UAVs – is likely to be of inspiration for both supporters of the group and other militant groups beyond Iraq and Syria, and indeed beyond militant Islamist actors. Groups with lower profiles - such as right-wing extremists across Europe or dissident republicans in the United Kingdom will appreciate the signifi- Commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a growing security threat in the West, according to cant attention brought by jihadist media monitoring conducted by Jane’s by attacks involving UAVs. IHS Markit. It is possible that their novelty attached to it, its use as use may have entered an effective military weapon in these actors’ tactical thinking as a a battlefield context is limited viable weapon, given their widely more to symbolic and propapublicised use and availability, ganda use,” states Iho, Otso Iho claims furThe commercially-available ther thet the force multiplier and UAVs used by the Islamic State value-add from a militant group’s including fixed-wing Skywalker perspective is enhanced by the X7s or similar, and quadcopterpropaganda value afforded by a type UAVs - offer relatively small UAV-facilitated attack, as well as payloads, typically approxithe footage that can be recorded mately 1-2kg. Although 1-2kg of of such attacks and exploited explosives could cause significant for propaganda and recruitment damage, this payload also has purposes. to include cameras and other navigational systems, meaning at Symbolic attacks least half of the payload could be Chris Hawkins, JTIC analyst, used for explosives. This, coupled also comments on the UAV with a short operation time of threat. between 23 minutes and two and ”Although the use of UAVs in a half hours, means the efficacy an attack context - both in dropof using UAVs in such contexts ping munitions and in boobyis largely limited to symbolic attraps - has garnered significant tacks, the JTIC report said. media attention through the Security Solutions market predicted to hit 370 billions dollar by 2022 Hadapsar, India The security solutions market is expected to grow from USD 206.69 Billion in 2016 to reach USD 372.90 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 10.16% - this is according to the latest research analysis from Marketsandmarkets. The growth of the security solutions market is expected to be driven by the necessity to protect individuals as well as property from rapidly evolving threats, increasing consumer awareness and security concerns, willingness to pay for security systems, growing demand for the use of wireless technology in security systems, and adoption of IoT-based security systems. Property protection The commercial end-use industry in the security solutions market held the largest share in 2016. The increasing incidences of crimes such as theft of physical as well as data/information have led to a need for security systems to protect not only the property owners but the property as well. With this intention, corporate organisations are investing substantial amounts to protect sensitive data and their employees. For instance, access control systems or biometric security systems are used in server rooms of organisations that deal with sensitive data. Such security solutions prevent unauthorised access and thus safeguard property and people from untoward incidences. wireless systems market at the highest growth The wireless systems segment is projected to grow at the highest rate in the security solutions market between 2017 and 2022. Wireless systems are not only easy to install but can also improve the interactive monitoring services of a system. They can be remotely operated, which makes them easy to use. Considering these benefits that wireless systems offer, the segment is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period. Big players such as Frontpoint Security Solutions (U.S.) and ADT Corporation (U.S.) provide wireless security systems. Security News Every Day – www. securityworldhotel.com 12 • d etekto r internati onal