
CISA, FBI Issue Joint Cybersecurity Advisory for SATCOM Ecosystem Following Viasat Cyberattack
Deputy National Security Adviser for Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger took to the podium yesterday to announce that U.S. Intelligence continues to investigate the Feb 24th hack of a European satellite company, Viasat, which provides internet connectivity to Europe, including the Ukrainian government and military. In light of this attack, on March 17th the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a joint statement which warned of the “possible threats to U.S. and international satellite communication (SATCOM) networks.”

Cyber Attack Against Satellite Calls into Question Satellite Security
On March 17, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an alert advocating the strengthening of SATCOM network provider cybersecurity – no doubt in response to revelations of the recent Viasat incident. The cyber threat to satellites has been a longstanding concern and one that has, unfortunately, been mixed in with the myriad other cybersecurity issues facing the global community. As a result, it’s not surprising that satellite security has gotten lost in the shuffle, particularly given the need to prioritize and safeguard 16 critical infrastructure sectors. OODA Loop Contributor Emilio Iasiello provides an analysis.
FBI and CISA warn over threats to satellite communications networks
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have released a warning to satellite communications network providers, advising them to increase their security According to the advisory, the two agencies became aware of possible threats to satellite communication networks in the US and abroad. The agencies
Russian anti-satellite missile test draws condemnation
The US has condemned Russia for conducting what it believes to be a dangerous and irresponsible missile test, alleging that the test endangered crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which currently hosts four Americans, a German, and two Russians. The test blew up one of Russia’s own satellites,
Satellite Comms Globally Open to $300 Eavesdropping Hack
At the virtual Black Hat 2020 conference, academic researcher and Oxford University doctoral candidate James Pavur spoke about the risk of satellite hacking. Pavur stated that attackers can use basic home television gear to listen in on internet traffic occurring across the globe, including high-value targets such as shipping fleets
A.I. Helped Uncover Chinese Boats Hiding in North Korean Waters
Earlier today, a study published in the journal Science Advances describes how researchers used artificial intelligence to discover over 900 ships of Chinese origin docked in North Korean waters. The massive fleets of Chinese fishing boats have been potentially illegally operating in North Korean waters with tracking systems halted. The
Russia Tests an Anti-Satellite Weapon, U.S. Officials Say
According to a statement released by the US Space Command on Thursday, Russia conducted an unusual anti-satellite test in early July. This has sparked concern that Russia is developing capabilities to attack American space-based systems. The test, which occurred on July 15, represents the first time that Russia has utilized
Coronavirus Not Slowing Russian, Chinese Space Activities, U.S. General Says
On Tuesday, a top US general revealed that Russia and China’s space operations have not been slowed by the global pandemic, adding that both countries continue to test military rockets and space weapons. Lt. Gen. David Thompson declared Russia’s space endeavors “unsafe,” deeming the behavior unacceptable. Lt. Gen. Thompson stated
The Night Sky Will Never Be the Same
Satellites could pose a threat to the visibility of the night sky, and managing the competing interests of science and commerce has been a source of recent controversy. The use of outer space has never been tested as it has in recent months, and historically passing satellites have rarely caused
The Air Force Will Let Hackers Try to Hijack an Orbiting Satellite
The US Air Force wants to let hackers attempt to take over a satellite at next year’s Defcon cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas. This year, the Air Force let infosec experts at the conference have a go at an F-15 fighter-jet data system. Because the hackers exposed several severe vulnerabilities,