An independent security assessment of DJI drones has found zero malware or backdoors in the hardware, directly challenging the basis of a federal ban on the Chinese manufacturer. The audit, conducted by U.S. cybersecurity firm OnDefend and published by DJI, examined the company’s drone systems at the hardware level. It found no evidence of malicious code or hidden pathways for unauthorized access.

Independent Audit Details

OnDefend’s analysis focused on the physical components and firmware of DJI drones, not just software scans. The firm tested multiple drone models, examining the main processor, memory chips and wireless modules. The final report concluded that the systems do not contain any backdoors or malware designed to exfiltrate data or compromise user privacy.

This finding contradicts the assumptions behind the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to ban DJI drones from U.S. networks. The FCC argued that DJI equipment posed a national security risk due to potential Chinese government surveillance. DJI has long denied those allegations and pursued legal action.

Ongoing Legal Battle

The audit results arrive amid a $1.56 billion lawsuit DJI filed against the U.S. government. The company claims the FCC ban was arbitrary and not based on technical evidence. DJI says the OnDefend audit provides concrete data that should force regulators to reconsider.

The FCC has not commented on the audit. Legal experts say the report could strengthen DJI’s case but does not automatically lift the ban. The dispute centers on whether potential future risks justify an outright prohibition.

Why This Matters

This audit directly affects U.S. government agencies, commercial drone operators and public safety teams that rely on DJI equipment. Many of these users have been forced to switch to alternative drones at higher cost. If the audit leads to policy changes, it could reopen the U.S. market to DJI and reshape the drone industry. The case also sets a precedent for how the government treats technology from foreign manufacturers.

The findings put pressure on regulators to provide clear evidence for security claims. Without such evidence, bans based on country of origin may face legal and public scrutiny. The drone market now watches for the next move in this high stakes fight.