Between ESA satellite hack and new Chinese threat, expert suggests international treaty on space security

Despite the complexities of satellite technology, several reports and experts have pointed out that hackers can control these systems. Since there are few security standards, it appears easy to hack a satellite by exploiting the vulnerabilities, which is what happened with the European Space Agency.

Recently, a group of ethical hackers gained access to a satellite’s onboard systems, used standard access permissions to control its application environment, and then exploited various vulnerabilities to install malicious code into the satellite’s systems. took advantage.

It was a team of four cyber security researchers from Thales, a global technology company, and they hacked ESA’s OPS-SAT demonstration nanosatellite. The space agency challenged security experts to disrupt the operation of the satellite’s systems.

The hacking enabled them to compromise data sent back to Earth, notably by modifying images captured by the satellite’s cameras, as well as concealing their activities to avoid detection by the ESA. Other goals such as masking geographic regions were achieved.

The exercise was specifically conducted for CYSAT to help assess the potential impact of an actual cyber attack and the ramifications for civilian systems. ESA has access to the satellite’s systems to maintain control during the exercise and assure normal operations are restored.

The success of this hacking attempt proves that such systems that revolve around the earth, collect data and transmit it to the earth are vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Noting the threat, Pierre-Yves Jolivet, Vice President of Cyber ​​Solutions at Thales, said: “With the growing number of military as well as civilian applications that rely on satellite systems today, the space industry needs to focus on cyber security at every level. The life cycle of a satellite from initial design to system development and maintenance.

global policy

According to previous reports, US officials claim that in 2007 and 2008, China-backed hackers allegedly used a ground station connection to disrupt the operations of the Landsat 7 and Terra (EOS AM-1) Earth observation satellites Was.

Now, recent reports have revealed that China, which has been repeatedly accused of being behind hacking attacks against infrastructure and companies, is apparently developing advanced cyber weapons to gain control of enemy satellites. doing.

It was also claimed that these cyber weapons would disable satellites trying to transmit data or conduct surveillance during conflict.

So it is a fact that even though satellites have revolutionized the world in many ways, if hackers get control of these systems, the consequences can be disastrous.

It is possible for hackers to shut down satellites, limit access to their services, or potentially jam communications, wreak havoc on critical infrastructure such as power grids, water networks and transportation systems, and disrupt international operations. Can also cause security issues.

China’s move ‘worrying’

Major Vineet, who is the founder and global president of Cyberpeace Foundation, told News18, “The recent reports of alleged development of cyber weapons by China to hijack satellites and the incident involving ESA’s OPS-SAT demonstration nanosatellite are really worrying “

He said it is pertinent for national space agencies to be prepared to deal with such actors. “It is imperative that nations cooperate to develop robust cyber security measures and policies to protect satellite systems and promote responsible behavior in cyberspace,” he said.

Additionally, they believe that strengthening international cooperation and encouraging debate on space security will be important in addressing these challenges and maintaining the security and resilience of outer space activities with respect to cyberattacks.

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