Cybersecurity in space: The out of-this-world challenges ahead

Abstract: 

This article outlines growing concerns with the new challenges that are arising with the advent of space technologies. Satellites provide crucial services such as GPS, telecommunications and internet connection, but as these technologies become more complex and interconnected, they also become more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Attackers are increasingly targeting services rather than the satellites themselves, using methods such as GPS spoofing and jamming to disrupt services such as ViaSat and Starlink. Such attacks have coincided with Russia's invasion of Ukraine and western intelligence agencies attribute the attacks to Russia, with the country accused of using these techniques for a number of years. As a result, cybersecurity concerns for satellites are growing, as hacking them could have significant consequences. While the primary concern for cyber attacks on satellites would be national security, there are other concerns as well. Some of these include blocking communications and services for people who need those services to conduct daily activities.

Author: 

Danny Palmer

Year: 

2022

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