The Cyber Defense eMagazine January Edition for 2024

For new satellite constellations, protection begins in the architecture and engineering phase. Irrespective
of cost, it’s imperative to build security inside all the different subsystems within the satellite—doing so
initially is much more efficient than attempting to retroactively patch vulnerabilities.
As mentioned earlier, adequate defense requires multiple layers of protection. These layers include a
range of encryption and monitoring systems which can detect nefarious activity. It’s also important to
prioritize architectural resiliency. If a system is compromised, the first step is to take it offline. Engineers
should also consider implementing multiple safe/recovery modes that allow the compromised satellite to
be recovered from an attack and re-initialized.
Another defense tactic is to create a cost imposing strategy for adversaries. By making the defense
systems exceedingly difficult and expensive to penetrate, the target becomes less attractive and therefore
less likely to be attacked.
All hands on deck — the role of legislation, regulation and cooperation
In addition to technical enhancements, securing our space infrastructure and maintaining a strong
foothold in the domain will require international cooperation, as well as domestic legislative and regulatory
updates.
As such, the September 2023 release of NIST’s Cybersecurity Framework Profile for Hybrid Satellite
Networks (HSN) is well timed. This framework provides guidance for improving infrastructure security,
hardening security for assets, data and systems, and reducing the risks to HSNs, which is an aggregation
of independently owned and operated terminals, antennas, satellites, payloads, or other components that
comprise a satellite system.
In addition to NIST’s guidance, legislation is now being proposed to have space added to the list of critical
infrastructures. The Space Infrastructure Act would direct the Department of Homeland Security secretary
to designate space systems, services and technology as a sector of critical infrastructure.
It's evident now more than ever, that the U.S. federal government has a large role to play in helping to
shape and secure the future of the space domain by hardening our SATCOM defenses, strengthening
collaboration with international allies, and implementing necessary security guidance and legislation.
Given the exponentially increasing role of SATCOM in both the commercial and military landscapes,
public and private sector collaboration will be integral to satellite cybersecurity initiatives. Luckily, some
of the best minds in the nation are dedicated to these efforts. With continued, comprehensive, and
committed work, the U.S. and its allies can reap the many benefits that SATCOM has to offer without
compromising on security.
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