News

The US intelligence community has issued a warning to the country’s space industry about the increasing risk of espionage and satellite attacks from China, Russia, and other adversaries. The bulletin, jointly issued by the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the US Air Force, highlights the various techniques employed by foreign entities to gain access to the industry.

US space-related companies are vulnerable to cyberattacks, strategic investment, targeting key supply chain nodes, and other means of compromising the industry. These activities not only threaten company secrets but also disrupt and degrade US satellite communications, remote sensing, and imaging capabilities. The warning emphasizes the importance of recognizing the dependence of both the US economy and national security on space.

To mitigate these risks, the bulletin advises companies to monitor anomalies, establish insider-threat programs to detect moles, and exercise caution regarding foreign entities’ requests to visit or establish joint ventures. The warning also urges vigilance against unsolicited offers from companies tied to foreign governments or state-owned enterprises.

China and Russia have historically denied allegations of hacking and other attempts to infiltrate or disrupt space systems. China maintains that it pursues peaceful exploration of outer space for the benefit of humanity, while Russia has refrained from immediate comment on the matter.

The US is particularly concerned about supporting small and midsize satellite companies that may be unaware of the risks involved. Efforts are being made to help these companies enhance their own mitigation capabilities and resilience. However, even large satellite companies with existing government links have fallen victim to attacks. Viasat Inc., for example, experienced a cyberattack in 2022, prompting the replacement of over 45,000 modems in Europe and beyond. Additionally, Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has faced jamming attacks while working to provide service to Ukraine.

In response to these threats, the US Space Force has established a new targeting unit focused on countering adversaries in space and at ground stations. This unit aims to address the threats posed to US satellite systems in space.

The post The US Space Industry Warned of Growing Espionage and Satellite Attacks appeared first on satProviders.