NASA has released its inaugural cybersecurity best practices guide for space communications, aiming to bridge security controls with NIST’s SP 800-53. This guide intends to enhance security practices across integrated space systems, emphasizing risk analysis, domain separation, and least privilege designs. It aims to assist organizations, regardless of size or scope, in adapting to interconnected systems within the space domain. The space industry faces concerning vulnerabilities, highlighted by Russia’s 2022 attack on Viasat.
Academic research revealed satellite developers acknowledging security gaps and relying on “security by obscurity.” Leaked documents also raised concerns about China’s potential use of cyber weapons to control satellites. NASA’s guidance aims to counter such threats by urging continuous risk assessment and secure access controls. NASA emphasizes implementing a dynamic approach to security, urging a continuous process of risk analysis and response in space operations.
This involves applying domain separation and least privilege designs across enterprises to tackle supply chain attacks and operational vulnerabilities. Misty Finical, from NASA, stressed the guide’s purpose in identifying and mitigating risks for mission success. The guidance also underlines the risk of unauthorized access through ground systems, potentially impacting space vehicles and operations. It recommends stringent access controls, authenticated personnel and software, and mediated access mechanisms to thwart unauthorized access and maintain security logs for critical subsystems in space segments. NASA’s proactive stance seeks to fortify space missions against cyber threats, ensuring the security of operations beyond Earth’s orbit.
