U.S. government doesn’t technically consider space systems critical infrastructure. That’s slowing down efforts to protect networks from cyber attacks, experts say. “Space is the furthest behind” of all domains when it comes to cybersecurity, a senior fellow says.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security has identified 16 critical infrastructure sectors. The sectors include chemical industries, healthcare defense, and financial services. “Russia was already using it against us in information warfare,” Beyer says of the cyber domain. A similar scenario is happening with regard to the space domain, he says.
Space systems should be designated critical infrastructure, says MITRE expert. That would include launch systems, on-orbit satellites, and ground-based communication systems. Emerging space activities will continue to be added to the space economy, says Visner. DHS’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency provides cybersecurity tools and incident response services.
Add space to the list of critical infrastructure sectors would send a strong message, says Astroscale U.S.’s Charity Weeden. A federal agency such as the Commerce Department should be assigned responsibility for overseeing space activities, she said. The issue has drawn congressional attention.
Name of Author: Sandra Erwin