Satellite Systems Under Threat: Building a Cybersecurity Framework to Mitigate Risks

Cyber Threats to Satellites

Satellite systems play a crucial role in supporting communication, weather monitoring, navigation, internet access, and more. However, these systems face numerous threats that compromise security and integrity. The threats faced by satellite systems are diverse and range from denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and malware infiltration to unauthorized access and damage from other objects in their orbit that disrupt digital communications.

For satellite systems, these critical threats can corrupt sensor systems, resulting in harmful actions based on incorrect data. For example, a corrupted sensor system could change a satellite’s orbit path to collide with another satellite or natural space object. If a sensor system becomes unusable, it could cause failure of other space and terrestrial systems that depend on those sensors. Jamming or sending unauthorized commands for satellite guidance and control could also damage other orbiting space vehicles. DoS attacks can render satellites unresponsive or, even worse, shut them down. This could create physical safety risks and damage other countries’ space vehicles or the ground from satellite debris fallout. Planting malware within the systems through insufficiently secured access points could impact the satellite and spread to other systems the satellite connects with.

Many of the 45,000 satellites currently orbiting Earth have been operating for many years and have little (if any) built-in cybersecurity protection. Take, for example, the Vanguard 1, launched by the United States on March 17, 1958. It is the oldest satellite still orbiting Earth. A cybersecurity vulnerability analysis of that satellite today would likely reveal numerous vulnerabilities that can potentially be exploited by hackers. It is essential to consider whether hackers could obtain sensitive data, modify the satellite’s software code, or change its controls. It is possible that successful hacks may have already occurred but were not reported to the public.

Looking ahead, the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries means it is crucial to validate the accuracy of any AI used within a satellite system and thoroughly test it before putting it into production. Given the potential threats satellites face, a comprehensive cybersecurity framework is necessary to mitigate these risks.

A Cybersecurity Framework for Satellite Security

There are five key steps within the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) necessary to mitigate common risks, including those associated with satellite systems: identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover.

1. Identify

First, it is important to identify the satellite data, personnel, devices, systems, and facilities that enable the satellite’s uses, goals, and objectives. Documenting where each satellite is located and all connections between each satellite component and other systems is essential. Understanding the risk landscape and any factors that may impact the mission helps effectively manage cybersecurity risk to satellite systems and associated components, assets, data, and capabilities.

2. Protect

Using the identified information, a robust security ecosystem must be chosen, developed, and implemented to protect all of the satellite’s components and associated services. Legacy space operations and vehicles may use proprietary software and hardware not designed specifically for highly interconnected satellite, cyber, and data ecosystems. As a result, legacy components may lack certain security controls. Therefore, developing, implementing, and using verification measures to prevent the loss of assurance or functionality within the physical, logical, and ground segments of satellite systems is crucial. Securing physical and logical components, reviewing access controls, and conducting cybersecurity training are vital for protecting satellite systems.

3. Detect

Appropriate activities should be developed and deployed to monitor satellite systems, connections, and physical components for anomalous events and notify users and applications upon detection. Using monitoring to enable detection and employing a process for handling detected anomalies within space components is key. The use of multiple sensors and sources to correlate events, monitoring of satellite information systems, and maintaining access to ground segment facilities help detect potential breaches in security.

4. Respond

If a cybersecurity attack or irregular incident occurs, appropriate actions must be taken to contain its impact on a satellite system, ground, or digital ecosystem. Cybersecurity teams should communicate the event and its impact to key stakeholders and implement processes to respond to and mitigate new, known, and anticipated threats or vulnerabilities. Continuous improvement of these processes based on lessons learned is essential.

5. Recover

Appropriate activities should be developed and implemented to maintain cybersecurity and resilience and restore all capabilities or services impaired due to a cybersecurity event. The goal is to promptly recover satellite systems and associated components to normal operations, return the organization to its proper working state, and prevent the same type of event from recurring. Coordination of restoration activities with internal and external parties is crucial, including corrections for anomalies, calibrations, and verification and validation procedures.

Conclusion

As the world continues to rely on satellite technology, cyber threats will persist and evolve. It is crucial to protect these systems by implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that describes how to engineer, build, and use them. Such a framework enables organizations to respond effectively to incidents, recover quickly from disruptions, and stay ahead of evolving threats. Engineering universities and tech organizations must collaborate with government agencies and other entities involved in engineering and building satellites to create and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity, privacy, and resilience framework to regulate the industries expanding the use of space vehicles.

By following the steps outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, satellite systems can be better protected from the diverse range of threats they face. It is essential for stakeholders to prioritize cybersecurity in satellite operations to ensure the continued reliability and security of these critical systems.