According to a statement from the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, as of mid-2018, there were approximately 792 satellites in orbit around the Earth, with hundreds more being used for technology development, navigation, Earth science, space science and Earth observation. This increasing proliferation in the number of satellites brings increased risks and security concerns, as satellite communications are not as secure. While satellite systems are critical to our global communication bandwidth, they are also gaining attention from hackers.
Importance of satellite communications
Private and government organizations depend on satellites for critical functions and services, such as navigation, communications, and weather monitoring. Similarly, GPS technologies, cellular networks, and electrical grids continually rely on satellite networks for their operation . IoT devices also use satellite internet services, such as HughesNet Internet, to function seamlessly. Any intentional or unintentional disruption to satellite services can create a ripple effect, creating adverse financial losses or information leaks. This is particularly concerning because although for many organizations satellites are an integral part of their cyber ecosystem, they typically do not have direct authority to regulate satellite security
Security vulnerabilities in satellite communication
Satellites are operated from ground-based systems, which are prime targets for hackers who seek security vulnerabilities as a means of intruding into the satellite system. The system, including the internet, also makes it difficult to detect and mitigate cyberattacks. If hackers monitor satellite signals, they can gain access to the system connected to the satellite. This would allow the hacker to compromise an organization's entire network by infiltrating a satellite's ground station.
Another major vulnerability common to all satellites is their practice of using long-range telemetry to communicate with ground stations. Uplink and Downlink transmission is carried out using open telecommunications network security protocols that can be easily intercepted by cybercriminals . IoT devices that use satellite communications also provide additional entry points for hackers.
Even knowing all the security issues an organization may face, many startups businesses consider investing in cybersecurity to be costly and a low priority. Conventionally, the satellite sector has also lagged behind in the cybersecurity space due to the requirement of a customized solution for each satellite’s individual requirements.
Mitigating cyber risk in satellites
Cyber risk mitigation techniques for satellite systems include robust hardware deployment on satellites, logical access to base stations, physical security, and signal encryption to monitor and control data transmitted to and from satellites. For commercial satellites, risk mitigation is provided by federal agencies that protect data links and ground stations. However, federal agencies do not manage the security of the control and monitoring links or ground stations, as these are the responsibility of the satellite service provider.
Some security recommendations for satellite communications
Here are some suggestions for maintaining the security of private and public satellite systems:
- Consider information security a top priority for your organization and allocate the necessary budget for it
- Implement strong encryption for all data transmitted to and from the satellite
- Create a cybersecurity policy and communicate the requirements for the organization
- Use recommended authentication methods
- Protect all your IoT devices and ensure their security
Even if you implement all of the above mitigation and security precautions, there is always the risk of hacking due to the multitude of entry points of devices connected to satellite communication systems.
