Satellite Systems Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks, Highlighting Urgent Need for Security Measures

Since the launch of the Russian space vehicle “Sputnik” and its orbit around the Earth in 1957, satellite systems have evolved and come to play a pivotal role in various fields serving humanity, such as navigation, communications, commerce, environmental monitoring, international defense systems, and more, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.

A report by the German news agency shed light on cyberattacks in recent years, such as the attack targeting the “K-A” communications satellite system owned by the American company Viasat in 2022.

The report confirmed the vulnerability of such systems to cyberattacks, as the attack caused internet browsing capabilities to be disrupted for thousands in Europe, underscoring the strategic importance of satellites as critical targets in wars fought through the ether.

Such attacks are no longer isolated incidents but have become an increasing trend as internet pirates realize the significant damage they can inflict.

Sylvester Kasmarik, the technology research lead at Orbis Sky Systems, specializing in AI integration, robotics, and IT security, emphasized the urgent need to enhance satellite security measures, calling for decisive action to avoid scenarios such as essential service disruptions and their dire consequences.

Kasmarik pointed out in an article for the specialized scientific website Scientific American that the 2022 attack, attributed by reports to entities affiliated with Russia, successfully breached satellite communication protocols, resulting in internet service disruptions.

The attack caused disruptions to sensor functions in various electronic systems in Ukraine and parts of Europe, impacting over nine thousand subscribers in France and around thirteen thousand in other European countries. Additionally, it led to a loss of communication between a major German energy company and over five thousand eight hundred wind turbine power generation units operated by the company.

The article noted that the hacking operation targeting some of the terminal stations for the Starlink satellite internet service in 2022 drew attention to the accuracy of this type of attack, revealing the vulnerability of satellite communication systems to attacks and highlighting the need to increase encryption capabilities and enhance security software.