The following is an excerpt from “Safe Always: Standard Operating Procedures for Drone Operations and Secure Data Collection,” a whitepaper that reviews the risks associated with drone-based data collection and the processes, policies, and procedures we apply to mitigate those risks. Download the whitepaper to learn how we help keep your data and your technicians safe.
As with our safety procedures, we have developed a clearly codified approach to data security. PrecisionHawk pilots undergo rigorous training in data quality assurance, security, and chain of custody protocols. In addition to their onboarding, pilots often receive specialized training for a project, as many clients have a unique set of security considerations.
As a standard practice, we take steps to isolate each drone from the internet, which means that a client’s data from an inspection is protected from the moment the information is collected.
For more security-intensive clientele, we transfer the data to an encrypted hard drive. That data then never gets unlocked unless it is being analyzed or it has been placed on the clients’ secured network. “We dedicate significant time and energy to safely handling the data we collect for our clients’ critical infrastructure. We work directly with each client to develop a custom solution that meets or exceeds all of their needs and expectations,” explains Bill Hanrahan.
PrecisionHawk has passed security audits conducted by a major auditing consultancy, as well as top 50 American utilities and oil and gas supermajors, organizations that are some of the largest and most security-conscious in the world. We are certified in ISO 27001 for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).
PrecisionHawk’s leadership developed their standard operating procedures, pilot training program, and safety culture from their experience as Navy fighter pilots. As Bill Hanrahan affirms, “Our safety mindset is deeply-rooted in Naval Aviation safety principles. We are a professional aviation organization that takes the same approach to flying drones as others do to flying commercial fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.”
Throughout this discussion, we’ve illustrated PrecisionHawk’s determination to help ensure safe operations and secure data management. In short: