As space assets become more integrated with Earth-based systems, the attack surface grows, making cyber risk in the space economy a pressing reality. A reality that companies need robust protection against.
What’s at Risk?
Cybersecurity in space involves varied risks. Attackers can attempt to take control of satellites, manipulate their data, or render them useless, posing a direct threat to national security, public safety and global commerce.
Cyber intrusions can target proprietary data and intellectual property. Spoofing attacks, in which false signals are sent to deceive receivers, can also cause immense damage, especially in aviation, maritime and military operations.
These threats are not theoretical – cyber incidents targeting space assets have already occurred. For example, on February 24th, 2022, a cyberattack against Viasat’s KA-SAT satellite network disrupted satellite internet access across Europe. The attack rendered thousands of modems inoperable, affecting users in Ukraine and other parts of Europe. The modems had to be replaced – they were unsalvageable.
It’s not always practical to protect space assets from cyberattacks. For example, implementing advanced, modern security protocols on older satellites may be challenging. And the huge distances between satellites and ground stations creates latency, which means threat detection and response can be delayed.
An Expanding Attack Surface
The interconnected nature of space and terrestrial systems gives rise to a complex threat landscape. Nearly every component of the modern space ecosystem is connected through digital infrastructure, including satellite communication networks, ground control stations, GPS services and Earth observation platforms.
This growing interdependence makes the entire system more vulnerable. A successful cyberattack on a single node can tear through the network, disrupting essential services and commercial activities. And with each new satellite that’s launched, the vulnerability increases.
Implications Beyond Orbit
Beyond the immediate operational disruptions, space cybersecurity threats can have long-term geopolitical, economic and reputational consequences. In a scenario where space-based assets were weaponized or rendered inoperable, the consequences could extend to financial markets, emergency response systems, and civil infrastructure reliant on satellite data. The scale and high cost of such potential losses point to the need for robust protection mechanisms.
Traditional models often fall short in covering the unique combination of exposures in the space economy. However, innovative insurers are bridging the gap. Relm draws upon specialist expertise, creating space insurance policies that account for the distinctive vulnerabilities of space assets and operations.
