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The US has cautioned organizations involved in space technology development to protect their intellectual property from theft. This comes as foreign intelligence entities (FIEs) are actively searching for security vulnerabilities in commercial space tech, raising concerns about national and economic security.

The FBI, America’s National Counterintelligence and Security Center, and the US Air Force jointly issued an alert, emphasizing that FIEs employ various tactics to gain access to the US space industry, including cyberattacks, strategic investments, targeting of supply chains, and joint ventures and acquisitions.

The global space economy is expected to grow from 9 billion in 2021 to over trillion by 2030, with the US leading the investment in this industry. Between 2013 and 2023, the US spent 3 billion, accounting for 47% of the market. China ranked second with billion, and the rest of the world (excluding Singapore, the UK, and India) amounted to billion.

The theft of blueprints and proprietary information not only allows foreign governments to advance their space programs at the expense of US organizations but also bolster their national security and communication initiatives.

Aside from economic consequences, insecure space systems pose a threat to national security. Potential risks include data theft from satellite payloads and disruption to communications, remote sensing, and imaging capabilities. Furthermore, vulnerabilities in space infrastructure could hinder first-responders’ ability to provide critical services during emergencies and impact military coordination during conflicts.

The US government recommends that organizations take several protective measures. This includes strengthening the security of intellectual property, conducting thorough vetting of employees with access to sensitive data, establishing an insider threat monitoring program, and creating an anomaly log to identify potentially malicious activities.

To address the growing concerns, various efforts have been made to improve cybersecurity in space. The White House’s Cybersecurity Strategy highlighted the importance of securing space-based systems, and the Cyberspace Solarium Commission called for the official designation of space systems as critical infrastructure. Additionally, the US Air Force and Space Force recently hosted Hack-A-Sat, inviting hackers to test the security of in-orbit systems.

It is crucial for organizations involved in space technology development to prioritize protecting their technologies to safeguard national security and economic interests.

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