Drone Forensics Study and a Hacker Detector Showcased by ZU Students at the UMEX 2020

12 students from the College of Technological Innovation (CTI) of Zayed University showcased eight innovative projects related to drones, robotics, security, and autonomous systems, during the participation at the the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) and Simulation and Training Exhibition and Conference (SimTEX). 

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the exhibition, themed ‘Manned-Unmanned Teaming in the Age of Smart Systems,’ is taking place in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from the 23 – 25 Feb 2020.

Dr Omar Alfandi, Assistant Dean of the CTI, said: “Throughout UMEX 2020 we seek to promote our students innovative application of information technology to major businesses, government, and research educational entities in the UAE, the Gulf region, and the rest of the world. The three-day show is a great opportunity to highlight our research capacity in emerging technologies directed towards meeting the IT needs of the Gulf region.”

Maryam Aljarwan, graduate CTI student, showcased a Drone Forensics comparative study of relevant forensic data and tools. She said: “with the wide Varity of drones in use today, and the speed with which they develop and change keeping pace can be very challenging for law enforcement and other enterprises. It is therefore essential for investigators and examiners to have an in-depth knowledge of drones, forensic methods, and capabilities of available tools. 

She added, “In our project we examined and analyzed the data that can be extracted from four different drone models and compared the applicability and capability of several forensic tools. Our findings indicated the need for specialized forensic tools to enhance the forensic investigation of drones.”

Najuod Qaboos and Rehab Alakbari, CTI students, deisgned the Hacker Detector which is a small device aimed to detect fake websites on the WIFI Network of the user. “The system sends alerts to the user by displaying messages on the OLED screen whether “Hacker Detected” or “Hacker Not Detected”.  The Hacker Detector device is built with the aim to provide better security for users. In addition, it helps in reducing the rate of identity theft,” Alakbari said.

Qaboos added that their project was selected as top achiever between 24 other senior projects in the CTI at Zayed University in Fall 2018. “I was really happy to have the opportunity to showcase our project to H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during his recent visit to our University.