"Cybersecurity Best Practice Is Critical to Winning the New Space Race"

The consequences of cyberattacks on satellites are apparent, but the resilience and protection of these galactical systems call for further investigation and a collaborative effort, according to Neil Sherwin-Peddie, the head of space security at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. Protecting devices in space is difficult because they are composed of multiple complex systems, each of which plays a different role and is deployed by different players. Satellites are platforms that contain embedded systems and interfaces such as radio communications, telemetry tracking control systems, and ground segment connections. Since these are essentially enterprise networks, cybercriminals can exploit them. Furthermore, all systems are supported by a complex supply chain, which is a prime target for attackers, as demonstrated by examples such as SolarWinds. This makes space systems more familiar and difficult to defend, as recognizable gateways are used in an underdeveloped domain. Therefore, the door to satellites is potentially open to hacktivists looking for new ways to gain attention, financial crusaders looking for new opportunities, and state-sponsored cyber spies who use their resources to target other countries' space assets. A platform is located under the hood of a satellite. The embedded system within that platform is often a recognizable Linux operating system. While the satellites' operations have been tailored to compensate for this vulnerability, this is changing as the market becomes more commercialized and accessible. There is now a massive amount of publicly available information about orbiting stations. While this makes them more understandable and standard from a defense standpoint, it also provides an equally familiar entry point for attackers. Any skilled hacker or threat actor will be familiar with the operating system. Access to cameras, orientation, and all other interfaces become much more plausible once administration rights to the environment are obtained. This article continues to discuss the importance of bolstering the cybersecurity of devices and systems in space. 

The Engineer reports "Cybersecurity Best Practice Is Critical to Winning the New Space Race"