After 35 Years Hunting Malware, a Cybersecurity Expert Takes On Drone Defense

As traditional cybersecurity defenses have matured with hardened devices like iPhones, drone security remains largely uncharted territory, creating both a critical vulnerability and an opportunity for renewed impact. Mikko Hyppönen, a 35-year veteran of malware research, is redirecting his expertise toward unmanned aerial systems—a shift driven by the catastrophic role drones have played in the Ukraine conflict. His pivot illustrates a broader industry reality: securing autonomous systems may demand as much innovation as malware defense did decades ago.