“The satellite sector is rapidly recognizing the necessity to put money into cybersecurity measures because of the essential temperament of the satellite networks and services they offer. Moreover, the high worth of space assets, notably satellites, means the price of a security violation is very high,” Magda Cocco, associate at VdA, told Via Satellite.

Authorities organizations and authorities, both civilian and military, represent a sizeable portion of the customer base for satellite businesses. The U.S. military is the largest purchaser of satellite capability, with a substantial fraction of its communique traversing over independently managed systems.

Cocco said variables such as the dual use nature of satellite technology, as well as the regular utilization of private sector capacities of the public sector has spurred on the adoption of more needing security conditions that were public. The end result, she said, is that in some ways the satellite sector could be considered well ready to handle cyber risks. Cocco said cybersecurity appears to be more of a concern within the cyberspace sector as opposed to the space sector, leading to broad differences between providers of parts, applications and gear. And this difference in focus isn’t unique to the space sector.

“Authorities don’t look to have already understood methodically the interdependence between cyberspace and space,” includes Helena Correia Mendonca, handling associate at VdA. The specific situation is bound to transform naturally, partially as an effect of the move to IP-based technologies. But, because cyber threats are always evolving, reliance on the security of the space section is clearly not enough.”

Luckily there are attempts to link satellite and authorities -sector cyber attempts nearer together.

“There are lessons learned that can be changed from both sectors together with research into technologies and operations which are mutually beneficial.”

Alexander said satellite cybersecurity faces unique challenges because of the interdependence of launching, space, user and earth sections. The end result, she said, is that satellite systems generally contain state of the art and cutting edge elements that are cybersecurity combined with older, heritage gear that is more exposed.

The Aerospace Corporation works with the space and cybersecurity communities to deal with space, mission assurance and future designs -cyber operations. The organization encourages the adoption of emerging cybersecurity technologies into space systems and studies, and offers guidance on best practices to reaching cyber resiliency for ongoing cyber operations.

Also, Aerospace Corporation has a cybersecurity research plan covering the space section, and Alexander said the organization is developing frameworks for raising mission assurance as measureable, repeatable and methodical activities to contain in accepting and evaluating dangers. She said the organization is working to encourage more complete cybersecurity for satellites.

“Successful models address the interconnections of sections in addition to the essential elements. As a way to react to new risks, satellite networks must embrace a doctrine of cyber resilience. Resilience must address more than specialized and hardware, applications cyber technologies. They should take into account the procedures, procedure as well as the related dangers,” she said.

Mendonca mentioned law/policy, technology and organizational structure as three essential areas right for cooperation. From a legal standpoint, she proposed authorities sector join forces to develop recommendations and strategies aligned with future and present wants, in addition to internationally recognized standards. From a technological perspective, Mendonca said there’s a requirement for minimal security standards, as well as on an organizational level, skills training, cybersecurity exercises, public awareness efforts, as well as the development of national and international arrangements to organize activities against cyber assaults would all make authorities as well as the satellite business more powerful.