Governments Team Up to Protect Commercial Satellites from Cyber Threats
Governments worldwide are stepping up to safeguard commercial satellite operators from escalating cyber threats. This move aims to stabilise markets and address investor concerns about space infrastructure risks.
The U.S. military, along with many other nations' armed forces, heavily rely on commercial Earth observation and communications satellites. This dependency exposes them to the threat of becoming military targets, as seen in the early stages of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, where hackers targeted Viasat's KA-SAT network and SpaceX Starlink satellites.
To mitigate these risks, licensing space operators could provide additional protection. Furthermore, states have a responsibility to inform their citizens, including commercial spacecraft operators, of potential cyber threats. This obligation is rooted in international legal principles and has been echoed by experts like Diane Howard. She notes that specific governmental authorities, such as national cybersecurity agencies, space agencies, and relevant defense or interior ministries, vary by country in their role to warn civilians and companies about cyber threats.
The U.S. Space Force's Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) programme blurs the lines between civilian and military populations in space, further emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures. A 2020 National Space Policy memorandum also warns against purposeful interference with space systems, including supporting infrastructure.
Government action to help satellite operators ward off cyber threats could stabilise markets and allay investor concerns. States must proactively share credible threat intelligence to avoid harm and ensure the safe operation of commercial spacecraft. By doing so, they can help maintain the integrity of space infrastructure and protect both civilian and military interests.
