Protecting Satellites and Infrastructure From Growing Cyber Dangers Becomes Urgent

The digital battlefield is expanding into space, where satellites and ground stations face a rising tide of cyberattacks. These systems, vital for communication, navigation, and national defense, are no longer isolated from the threats that plague terrestrial networks. At the Space Force’s Cyber Expo 2025, held at Los Angeles Air Force Base, experts underscored the urgency of protecting these assets from sophisticated adversaries.

John Garstka, a senior Defense Department official, spoke virtually from the Pentagon, highlighting the real-world consequences of cyber threats. He described cyberspace as a fifth domain of warfare, alongside air, land, sea, and space. Unlike traditional domains, the invisible nature of cyber conflict makes it hard for many to grasp its impact, often because simulations of such attacks remain classified or inaccessible to the public.

The stakes are high. Space systems rely on a web of critical infrastructure, from power grids to fuel supplies. A targeted cyberattack could disrupt these lifelines, rendering advanced satellites useless. Garstka emphasized that a satellite without power is little more than a static display, a sobering reminder of how interconnected and vulnerable these systems have become.

One of the most pressing concerns is the defense industrial base, a sprawling network of over 160,000 companies that design and build military systems. These firms, particularly smaller ones, are prime targets for cyberattacks. Adversaries, including state-sponsored groups, aim to steal intellectual property, disrupt production lines, or compromise supply chains. Recent data shows a 300% surge in cyberattacks on the aerospace and defense sector since 2018, with breaches costing an average of $5.46 million per incident.

Garstka noted that a cyberattack on a production line could halt operations, directly affecting military missions. For space systems, which depend on timely delivery of components, such disruptions could delay launches or weaken national security. The Department of Defense is pushing for stronger collaboration with industry, urging companies to adopt rigorous cybersecurity standards, like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification set to take effect in 2025.

Small businesses, which make up about 70% of the defense industrial base, face unique challenges. Limited budgets and technical expertise often leave them exposed to sophisticated threats. To address this, federal initiatives are exploring affordable, secure virtual environments to help these firms meet stringent requirements without breaking the bank.

Beyond the defense sector, the broader critical infrastructure that supports space systems is under constant attack. Energy, water, and telecommunications networks are frequent targets, with 62% of operators reporting cyberattacks in the past year. These incidents often involve ransomware or espionage campaigns designed to cripple essential services or preposition access for future conflicts.

Recent examples highlight the threat. China’s Volt Typhoon campaign, for instance, infiltrated U.S. critical infrastructure, potentially to disrupt services during a crisis. Similarly, Iranian-linked attacks have targeted operational technology in retaliation for geopolitical tensions. Garstka stressed that space systems, which rely on commercial infrastructure for power and connectivity, are only as strong as their weakest link.

To counter these risks, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is prioritizing international collaboration and resilience-building. Strategies include proactive vulnerability management and AI-driven threat detection. Yet, the integration of operational technology with IT systems has expanded the attack surface, making it harder to secure these sprawling networks.

Protecting space systems demands a shift from reactive to proactive defenses. The Department of Defense is investing in zero trust architectures, which assume no network is secure and require continuous verification. Advanced technologies, like AI and machine learning, are also being deployed to detect threats in real time, especially for satellites with limited onboard processing power.

Recent policy initiatives reflect this urgency. A January 2025 White House report called for tailored cybersecurity solutions for space assets, including secure boot processes and streamlined patch management. Projects like Aerospace’s Starshield prototype have shown promise in enabling satellites to detect intrusions autonomously, reducing reliance on ground-based interventions.

Public-private partnerships are another cornerstone of this effort. The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Extension Act encourages companies to share threat intelligence with federal agencies, fostering rapid responses to emerging risks. Collaborative frameworks, like the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative, bring together government and industry to innovate and harden defenses.

The road to securing space systems is fraught with obstacles. Budget constraints, a persistent skills gap, and the rapid evolution of threats complicate efforts to stay ahead. Garstka emphasized the need for motivation and clear requirements to drive progress, even when funding is tight. Without sustained investment, the gap between adversaries and defenders could widen.

International cooperation is equally critical. As space becomes a shared domain, with commercial and governmental systems intertwined, global standards and intelligence-sharing are essential. The European Union’s cybersecurity agency has advocated for zero trust models and supply chain security, lessons that could inform U.S. efforts.

Cyber threats to space systems are not abstract hypotheticals; they are a clear and present danger. From disrupted satellite communications to compromised defense production, the consequences of inaction could ripple across national security and the economy. The Department of Defense, alongside industry and international partners, is racing to build a resilient ecosystem capable of withstanding these challenges.

As the digital and physical worlds converge, the need for innovative, collaborative, and proactive defenses has never been greater. Space, once a distant frontier, is now a critical battleground where the future of security will be shaped.