The technological field is growing exponentially, and the cybersecurity that surrounds it is struggling to keep up – especially regarding space security.
With approximately 2,200 communications satellites in orbit, the National Security Agency (NSA) is working on how best to secure the sky, as in providing more effective space security.
It’s been widely reported that researchers at the NSA are using artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor small satellites to determine if they have been hacked.
One thing that is particularly worrisome to space security experts is that with the cost of jamming and control-takeover technology dropping, more hackers (individuals and nation-state cybercriminals) are trying their hand at breaking and entering in cyberspace.
Though in initial stages, programs to address potential issues, such as characterizing telemetry data and testing sending malware to a satellite to observe the outcomes, are being considered.
Many feel these advanced space security techniques will be key in future years as the U.S. is working toward adding a number of small satellites into low Earth orbit – satellites intended to assist with military intelligence, making it key that they are secure.
The problem is that technology cuts both ways. While space security specialists develop AI applications to protect data, there’s evidence that cyber criminals are doing much the same in order to steal data.
Space security authorities fear that increased reliance on space technology complicates security measures. Truth is, lots of different things can go wrong. For example, hackers might attempt to overwhelm a satellite with false signals or impersonate a satellite’s communication — a process called spoofing — to confuse vehicles on Earth’s surface.
Bad actors could also manipulate the communications or controls, download unwanted software, or even tell the satellite to change its course.
All this presents complex but crucial challenges for space security specialist professionals. Accelerate your space cybersecurity career with a CSSSP certification.
Certified Space Security Specialist Professional (CSSSP) certification is ideal for space and security practitioners, analysts, engineers, managers and executives interested in proving their knowledge across space security practices and principles.
Want to know more? Tonex offers Certified Space Security Specialist Professional (CSSSP) training, a 5-day course that is ideal for space and security practitioners, analysts, engineers, managers and executives interested in proving their knowledge across space security practices and principles.
Our Space Operations and Cybersecurity courses also include:
Fundamentals of Positioning, Navigation and Timing | PNT Training (2 days)
Space Mission Systems Engineering Training (2 days)
Space Systems Engineering Fundamentals (2 days)
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