Cybersecurity of UAV Swarm Communication using VPN and RIS Technologies Integration: Protected Assets, IMECA Analysis and Countermeasures

The paper explores the integration of virtual private network (VPN) and reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) technologies to improve the cybersecurity of communications in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms. Using the IMECA (Intrusion Modes and Effects Criticality Analysis) framework, the cyber risks associated with this integration, focusing on VPN protocol vulnerabilities, specific RIS threats, and the challenges of dynamic swarm operations are systematically assessed. The analysis reveals unique vulnerabilities that arise when these technologies are combined in the context of UAV swarms. Based on the results, a number of countermeasures, including advanced VPN protocols, dynamic RIS management strategies, and cross-layer security approaches are proposed. The study demonstrates that the integration of VPNs and RIS increases the resilience of UAV swarms to cyberattacks, ensuring the protection of critical assets. Further research will focus on optimizing these technologies in real-world environments and exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to improve the security of UAV swarms.