Amazon's delivery drones could be hacked and hijacked - turning them into flying killing machines, a security expert has warned.
The Government has given Amazon permission to extensively test its drones over the skies of Britain, which could one day allow the firm to deliver items by air.
But Colin Bull. from software specialists, SQS, has urged Amazon to install an emergency jamming system to alleviate the threat of hijack.
He told InfoSecurity Magazine: "They might look pretty innocent, but on closer inspection, what you find can be terrifying.
"Combined with 3D printing these can be easily configured and adapted into support any kind of use case.
"Putting it bluntly, these devices are in fact a flying payload system with the ability to deliver anything including incendiary devices or grenades in to uncontrolled airspace in the way that only Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have been able to do in the past."
He said that one solution could be to standardise the radio frequencies on which drones can operate, so police could take control of compromised devices.
Over the next few months Amazon will test drones at specified sites around the country.
Amazon has special permission to fly drones that are no longer within sight of their operators, and have one person operate several drones.
The Government is working with the Civil Aviation Authority to draw up new controls for drones which balances public safety with encouraging innovation.
In a blog post Cesare Garlati, chief security strategist at the non-profit prpl Foundation, said: "Just think about the havoc that one could cause if it were dropped onto a freeway, or flown into a plane on take-off.
"Are we confident they can't be hacked? No - especially as systems with far more research and development spend like connected cars, smart rifles and aircraft guidance systems - have already been hacked by researchers."
Sky News has contacted Amazon for a response.
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