Space cybersecurity has come under increased scrutiny.
Space systems, ranging from satellites to mission control centers, are frequently the target of cyber-attacks.
Despite the space industry’s technical sophistication, their cybersecurity efforts have lagged behind that of other technology sectors. This is underscored by the prevalence of vulnerabilities and attack vectors that go unchecked. Space systems ranging from CubeSats to sophisticated rovers have considerable cybersecurity challenges.
Cybersecurity principles and practices that apply to terrestrial systems also apply to space systems. Certain principles and practices, however, are particularly important to space systems.
It is critical, for instance, that cybersecurity measures, including the ability to perform updates and respond to incidents remotely, are integrated into the design of the space vehicle before launch, as most space vehicles in orbit cannot currently be physically accessed.
Because of this, integrating cybersecurity into all phases of development and ensuring full life-cycle cybersecurity are critical for space systems. Effective cybersecurity practices arise out of cultures of prevention, active defense, risk management and sharing best practices.
Experts in this area believe that space systems and their supporting infrastructure, including software, should be developed and operated using risk-based, cybersecurity-informed engineering.
There’s also strong opinions that space systems should be developed to continuously monitor, anticipate, and adapt to mitigate evolving malicious cyber activities that could manipulate, deny, degrade, disrupt, destroy, surveil, or eavesdrop on space system operations.
Additionally, Space system configurations should be resourced and actively managed to achieve and maintain an effective and resilient cyber survivability posture throughout the space system lifecycle.
Due to increased challenges in the space cybersecurity realm, there has been an effort afoot by IS4 (International Society of Space and Security Specialists) to educate cybersecurity personnel in space security matters. IS4 (the world’s only space cybersecurity certification authority) is now an international membership association for space and security professionals offering Certified Space Security Specialist Professional (CSSSP) and other space cybersecurity certifications.
In coordination with IS4, Tonex offers Certified Space Security Specialist Professional (CSSSP) in order to train current and future personnel in how to more effectively manage space security issues.
Want to know more about space cybersecurity? Tonex offers Cybersecurity Principles for Satellite and Space Systems, a 2-day training workshop designed to provide a unique learning experience about space and satellite vulnerabilities that are commonly exploited. Participants will discover techniques and strategies for integrating cybersecurity measures into space and SATCOM systems, networks, products and critical missions from the start.
Our other Space Operations and Cybersecurity courses include:
Certified Space Security Specialist Professional (CSSSP) (5 days)
Fundamentals of Positioning, Navigation and Timing | PNT Training (2 days)