Erin Miller, Executive Director of the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC), has highlighted the significant and escalating cyber threats faced by the commercial space industry. Speaking at a National Security Space Association webcast, Miller disclosed that over 100 cyber attacks per week are targeting critical space infrastructure. These attacks range from state-sponsored hacking campaigns to disruptive activities such as jamming and suspicious satellite maneuvers. Miller emphasized that the interconnectedness of space systems with terrestrial networks amplifies the severity of these threats, impacting sectors crucial to national security, energy, and transportation.
The Space ISAC, a non-profit organization dedicated to analyzing and disseminating information on cyber threats, operates a watch center in Colorado Springs. This center monitors and alerts member organizations about cyber threats, supply chain intrusions, and other risks based on intelligence from industry and government sources. Membership fees range from $2,500 to $50,000 annually, reflecting the criticality of the services provided in safeguarding against cyber vulnerabilities in space systems.
Miller underscored the necessity for industry-wide information sharing to enhance cyber defense capabilities. She pointed out the 2022 cyber attack on Viasat’s ground modems during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a poignant example of the industry’s vulnerability. Despite ongoing cyber threats, Miller lamented the lack of a unified federal agency to coordinate incident responses effectively. This fragmentation complicates efforts to engage with the government for assistance during crises, highlighting a broader systemic challenge in sector risk management.
Looking ahead, Miller stressed the evolving nature of cyber threats, foreseeing potential shifts towards more sophisticated “living-off-the-land” attacks that exploit existing system software and tools. She emphasized the critical need for proactive measures and collaboration between industry and government agencies to mitigate these evolving risks effectively. As consumer technologies increasingly rely on satellite connectivity, Miller concluded that the security of space systems has become indispensable to safeguarding daily operations across various sectors.
