# Hack-Ready Harriers The 'WASP' is a UAV Capable of Hacking On-The-Fly By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-08-01 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wasp References: [geek](http://www.geek.com/articles/geek-pick/wasp-the-linux-powered-flying-spy-drone-that-cracks-wi-fi-gsm-netwokrs-20110729/) & [blogs.forbes](http://blogs.forbes.com/andygreenberg/2011/07/28/flying-drone-can-crack-wifi-networks-snoop-on-cell-phones/) Powered by [Linux](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linux-foundations-newton), open-source software and a military-grade shell, the WASP is every hacker's wet dream. In fact, on-lookers at [DEFCON](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laptop-lock) (the world's largest hacking convention) were utterly incapable of hiding their excitement after seeing the unmanned aerial vehicle take a couple test flights. Taking inspiration from the Harrier Jump Jet, the Wireless Aerial Surveillance Platform (WASP) is capable of sustained flight while simultaneously cracking WiFi networks, data mining and photographing the terrain. This DIY plane is even equipped with a GSM antennae, meaning its operator would be able to eavesdrop on cellphone calls and snoop out SMS messages... not that you'd want to do that, right? The WASP was built by two engineers in their spare time who, fuelled by a belief in creative commons, have posted detailed instructions on the [UAV's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fixar-007) design and construction. It won't be long before these things are packaged and sold to kids -- keep your wireless passwords secure! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Open-source Drones:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create customizable and hackable drones for various applications. - **Cybersecurity in Uavs:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced security features to protect UAVs from hacking and unauthorized access. - **DIY Drone Kits:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Market DIY drone kits to empower individuals to build their own customized drones. ### Who This Affects Most - **Drone Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate open-source technologies and customizable features into drones for enhanced functionality. - **Cybersecurity:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Provide specialized security solutions specifically designed for protecting UAVs from hacking and data breaches. - **Education:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop educational resources and workshops for teaching individuals how to build and modify drones using DIY kits. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-drones.md) - [Multidirectional Miniature Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidirectional-miniature-robots.md) - [Wifi-Manipulating Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deauther-watch-v4.md) - [Missile-Firing Unmanned Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/missilefiring-unmanned-drone.md) - [Hybrid-Powered Unmanned Helicopters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybridpowered-unmanned-helicopter.md) - [Crow-Shaped Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hooded-crow.md) - [Drone-Intercepting Quadcopters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drone-interceptor.md) - [Falcon-Inspired Aerial Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-falcon.md) - [Futuristic Electronic Attack Aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/attack-aircraft.md)