October 25, 2023 at 10:07AM
Satellite systems play a critical role in communication, weather monitoring, navigation, and more, but they face numerous threats to their security and integrity. To address these challenges, a robust cybersecurity framework is needed, utilizing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) steps: identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover. It is important to implement this framework to mitigate risks and protect satellite systems from cyber attacks.
From the meeting notes, it is evident that satellite systems play a crucial role in various areas such as communication, weather monitoring, navigation, and internet access. However, these systems face numerous threats that compromise their security and integrity. To address these challenges, it has been suggested that a robust cybersecurity framework should be implemented.
Some of the threats that satellite systems face include denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, malware infiltration, unauthorized access, and damage from other objects in their orbit. These threats can result in the corruption of sensor systems, which can lead to harmful actions based on incorrect data. Additionally, DoS attacks can render satellites unresponsive or shut them down, posing physical safety risks and potentially damaging other space vehicles or the ground. Planting malware within the systems can also have an impact on the satellite and spread to other connected systems.
The meeting notes also highlight the importance of conducting a cybersecurity vulnerability analysis of older satellites like Vanguard 1, which may have little or no built-in cybersecurity protection. As newer satellites may have attracted hackers’ attention, it is possible that successful hacks on older satellites may have gone unreported.
Looking ahead, with the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries, it is crucial to validate the accuracy of any AI used in satellite systems and thoroughly test it before production.
To mitigate the risks faced by satellites, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity framework. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) suggests five key steps to mitigate common risks: identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover.
The first step is to identify the satellite data, personnel, devices, systems, and facilities involved and understand the risk landscape. This information helps in effectively managing cybersecurity risks.
The next step is to protect the satellite system by implementing appropriate security measures for its components and associated services. It is crucial to secure physical and logical components, review access controls, and provide cybersecurity training.
Detecting anomalous events is another important step. Activities should be developed and deployed to monitor satellite systems, connections, and physical components. Multiple sensors and sources can be used to monitor and correlate events.
In the event of a cybersecurity attack, it is important to respond promptly and contain the impact. Communication with key stakeholders and the implementation of processes to respond and mitigate threats are vital.
Lastly, recovering from a cybersecurity event involves implementing activities to restore all impaired capabilities or services and prevent similar incidents from recurring. Coordination with relevant parties and verification and validation procedures are important in the recovery process.
NIST recently released NIST IR 8441, which provides a cybersecurity framework profile specifically for hybrid satellite networks (HSN). This profile can serve as a valuable resource for engineers and HSN users in creating cybersecurity profiles for other satellite networks.
In conclusion, given the reliance on satellite technology and the persisting cyber threats, it is crucial to implement a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to protect these systems. This framework enables effective incident response, quick recovery, and proactive measures against evolving threats.