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American organizations involved in designing and manufacturing space hardware and software are being urged to protect their technologies from intellectual property theft. The US National Counterintelligence and Security Center, along with the FBI and the US Air Force, has issued an alert warning of the risks posed by foreign intelligence entities (FIEs) seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in commercial space technology. The agencies highlight the potential for compromised satellite constellations to disrupt communications networks and critical infrastructure on the ground. They note that FIEs use cyberattacks, joint ventures, acquisitions, and supply chain targeting to gain access to the US space industry.

Financial sector estimations suggest that the global space economy will grow from 9 billion in 2021 to over trillion by 2030. The US is currently the largest investor in the industry, accounting for 47% of the market, with China in second place. The agencies warn that stealing blueprints and proprietary information from US organizations enables foreign governments to advance their own space programs and bolster their national security and communications capabilities.

In addition to economic costs, the agencies emphasize that insecure or compromised space systems pose a threat to national security. Potential risks include data theft, disruption of communications and imaging capabilities, and hampering critical services during emergencies or military coordination during conflicts.

To mitigate these risks, organizations are advised to enhance their security posture by protecting their intellectual property, screening employees with access to sensitive data, and implementing an insider threat monitoring program. They should also establish an anomaly log to track potentially malicious activities and conduct due diligence on suppliers and investors.

The US government has taken several steps to improve cybersecurity in space, including references in the White House’s Cybersecurity Strategy and the designation of space systems as critical infrastructure by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. The government has also engaged with industry executives to address threats and explore ways to strengthen public-private partnerships. Additionally, the US Air Force and Space Force recently co-hosted a hacking challenge to improve the security of in-orbit systems.

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