If you are one of those people who believes in the illusion that communications satellites are secure, we have news for you. We live in an era that promotes secure satellite communication as a safeguard. It might come as a shock to learn that there is a malicious cyberattack every minute. This is true even in the 21st century. The fact is that nothing online is truly secure. Sometimes, the impact of a cyberattack can be tremendous.
Enhancing Secure Satellite Communication in the Wake of Cyber Attacks
Soon after the attack, the internet service for thousands of Viasat customers in Europe was cut off. The cyber attack was so damaging that it successfully disabled modems, to the extent that they could not be turned on and had to be reprogrammed, and in some cases, replaced. It was suspected that the malware itself permitted the hackers to purposefully manipulate the modems, as they had likely already gained access to the Viasat networks.
Despite the conflict in Ukraine and the impact that resulted, the joint intelligence efforts of France, Ukraine, and the United States did not attribute the attack to Russian state actors. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took proactive measures on March 17, 2022, and emphasized enhancing the cyber security of SATCOM network providers.
Why Are Communications Satellites More Prone to Cyber Attacks?
The cyber threat to satellites has been a longstanding concern; however, it has unfortunately been blended in with the myriad of other cybersecurity issues facing the global community. Consequently, it is not surprising that communication satellite security has gotten lost in the shuffle. Particularly given the need to prioritize and safeguard 16 critical infrastructure sectors.
It is a fact that cyber threats to communications satellites are far greater than other cybersecurity issues. This is because the architecture of the satellite system allows for various potential entry points for cyber attackers. As of January 1, 2021, there are 2,224 communications satellites orbiting the earth.
Research Analytics of Satellite Security Networking
Research conducted on satellite security infers that:
- Spacecraft and ground stations are more exposed to cyberattacks, including command intrusions and denial-of-service.
- Transmission of uplinks and downlinks for satellites through open telecommunications channels is more likely to be attacked.
- Internet of Things (IoT) devices involved in satellite security networking enhance the possibility of several other points of entry for savvy attackers.
Conclusion
The vulnerabilities of communications satellites underscore the pressing need for robust measures to achieve secure satellite communication. Recent high-impact incidents, such as the Viasat attack, have demonstrated that no online system is impervious to cyber threats. With an ever-increasing number of satellites and multiple potential entry points for attackers, it is imperative that governments and industry leaders work collaboratively to enhance cybersecurity protocols and protect this critical infrastructure.
Access RegSource® as your source of regulatory compliance information.
We would love to hear from you. If you have any comments on this blog, please reply below.
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in the blog do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Certrec. The content of this blog is meant for informational purposes only.
