The FBI, NCSC, and AFOSI have issued a joint alert cautioning the US space industry about escalating foreign intelligence cyberattacks and exploitation. These agencies underscore the attractiveness of the US space industry to foreign intelligence entities (FIEs), given its pivotal role in driving the global space economy.
Furthermore, FIEs view US space-related assets as both potential threats and opportunities for acquiring crucial technologies and expertise. Employing tactics such as cyberattacks, supply chain compromises, and strategic investments, these entities target the US space industry, posing risks not only to national security but also economic security and global competitiveness.
Additionally, Threat actors engaging in these activities may compromise intellectual property, disrupt satellite communications, impact critical services, and exploit vulnerabilities in US commercial space infrastructure. The agencies highlight the potential negative effects on the US commercial space sector’s revenue, the global market, and international laws.
They point out indicators of potential targeting, including unusual cyber activity, unsolicited joint venture offers, and attempts to recruit employees. To counter these threats, US space organizations are advised to maintain incident logs, establish insider threat programs, enhance security postures, secure valuable assets, audit suppliers, and build operational resilience.
Moreover, the agencies emphasize collaboration with law enforcement and contact if organizations suspect they are at risk or have been targeted. This advisory underscores the need for heightened security measures in the US space industry to safeguard against cyber espionage and maintain the industry’s competitive edge.
