Space cyber security: threats, risks and key measures to protect assets in the aerospace era

July 31, 2025

The rapid expansion of space exploration, satellite networks, and commercial aerospace organizations has turned space into a critical domain for global security, communications, and economic infrastructure. However, this evolution is accompanied by a rising wave of cyber threats.

Space assets are increasingly at risk—from state-sponsored cyberwarfare to the sophisticated capabilities of malicious actors. I’ve had the opportunity to observe simulations of potential compromises to satellites or communications systems that could disrupt and amplify financial market instability, interfere with military operations, or even endanger human lives in space missions.

Given what’s at stake, space Cyber Security is no longer a niche concern, but a strategic priority for nations, companies, and international government bodies.

Triad of assets: space-based, ground-based, and digital

These assets play a vital role in global and satellite communications, and as a result, are exposed to cyberattacks. This is why it’s urgent to implement robust measures to protect space-based, ground-based, and digital assets. People, processes, and the operating environment must not be overlooked if we are to ensure data integrity and safeguard operations.

The field of aerospace cyber security needs to protect its operations as much as—or more than—any other system.

Space cyber security is the comprehensive protection of both space and ground assets—from satellites to human operators—against growing cyber threats. Today’s heavy reliance on space technologies for GPS navigation, telecommunications, weather forecasting, and military operations makes these systems attractive targets for cyberattacks. A single breach can cause widespread disruption.

Current threats: from malware to espionage

According to ENISA, several threats and risks have been identified, including jamming, spoofing, malware injection, ransomware, and direct cyber intrusions into control networks.

Nation-state actors can use their cyber capabilities to disable enemy satellites, disrupt communications, or steal sensitive data.
Non-state actors, including cybercriminals and hacktivist groups, may target commercial satellites for financial gain, to support political causes, or to raise funds via third parties.

—For instance, a well-coordinated cyberattack on internet providers could disrupt global connectivity, affecting businesses, governments, and consumers alike.

It’s important to note that many satellites still rely on outdated security protocols, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Weak encryption in telemetry, tracking, and control (TTC) systems can allow adversaries to hijack satellite operations.

Furthermore, ground control stations often run on legacy software lacking strong cyber security protections and configurations, creating an open door for attackers. Supply chain vulnerabilities further amplify the risk, as malicious actors can implant compromised components during the manufacturing of satellites, launch vehicles, or any related asset.

Space as the new battlefield

The recognition of space as a domain of warfare—alongside land, sea, air, and cyberspace—has led several countries to develop specialized military branches for space operations, including cyber capabilities to defend or disrupt space assets.

A satellite cyberattack by a hostile actor could provide strategic advantage by disabling intelligence gathering, communications, or missile warning systems. This carries significant geopolitical implications, as space-based cyberattacks could escalate tensions and provoke international conflicts.

AI: ally and threat

Some emerging and disruptive technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), play a crucial role in space cyber security. On one hand, AI-based security systems can detect and respond to threats in real time, providing autonomous protection to satellites and spacecraft. They also help improve encryption techniques and predict vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.

At the same time, AI-powered cyber threats pose significant risks, as malicious algorithms could bypass defense mechanisms, automate large-scale cyberattacks, or manipulate satellite data to spread disinformation. The challenge lies in ensuring that this technology is used as a tool for defense—not a weapon in cyber conflicts.

Commercialization of space: new opportunities, new risks

Private sector investment in space technologies is driving the adoption of advanced cyber security measures, such as end-to-end encryption, AI-based anomaly detection, and zero-trust architectures. However, the rapid commercialization of space also brings new risks.

The large-scale deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites increases the attack surface that cybercriminals could exploit. If a malicious actor gains control over even a single satellite—or an entire megaconstellation—they could disrupt the entire network and impact global internet connectivity.

Real-world impacts: from GPS to agricultural management

Satellite communications and GPS are critical for military operations, financial transactions, and global supply chains. A cyberattack on GPS satellites could disrupt navigation systems for aircraft, ships, and civilian and military vehicles.

Similarly, tampering with Earth observation satellites could alter climate data, agricultural monitoring, or disaster response operations. The economic consequences of such attacks could be devastating, affecting industries ranging from logistics to finance.

For example,

A cyberattack on GPS satellites could disrupt navigation systems for aircraft, ships, and civilian and military vehicles.
Likewise, tampering with Earth observation satellites could impact climate data, agriculture oversight, or disaster response.

⚠️ The economic consequences of such attacks could be devastating, affecting industries from logistics to finance.

Cyber security must evolve in step with space exploration. The cyber risks facing space assets are no longer hypothetical—they are real, damaging, ever-present, and growing. The safety of our digital and physical world depends on the integrity of our space infrastructure.