How might we apply cyber technologies to secure the next generation of space operations and increase resiliency?
As hardware and software become increasingly integrated in the form of cyber-physical systems, a new and unique set of cybersecurity threats present themselves. Current research acknowledges that the challenge of keeping cyber-physical systems secure is fundamentally different from the conventional IT security problems of yesteryear (The Cyber Security Body of Knowledge, Cyber Physical Systems Knowledge Area, 2019). The introduction of real-time constraints, automated and autonomous operations, novel sensors and robotics, networking of devices in the IoT, and complex embedded software all enable highly innovative products with increasingly broad attack surfaces. While the notion of “hacking a car” might have sounded absurd twenty years ago, it is now a demonstrated possibility.
With both the public and private sectors rapidly innovating in space, next-gen satellites now resemble cyber-physical systems. Operating a cyber-physical system in space, however, brings with it an additional set of unique challenges. Outdated radiation-hardened processors with esoteric instruction set architectures, a lack of capability for rapid security updates and DevOps, and long development timelines outpaced by rapidly-evolving threats are unfortunately today’s status quo in the domain of space cyber-physical systems.
While terrestrial cyber security technology development creates a foundation to extend existing solutions to celestial applications, space systems come with unique characteristics that may require adaptations from existing strategies or radically new approaches to the problem. Therefore, the US Space Force is seeking bold and disruptive approaches to security for space cyber-physical systems and operations.
Topics of Interest
- How could Zero Trust be used in space?
- How could penetration testing be done on real satellites?
- How could pen-testing be done on models of satellites?
- How could modeling and simulation of satellites and space systems be used to improve their security?
- How could AI and ML be applied to cyber anomaly detection, signal processing, and threat response?
- How could SDN and network automation be used to better secure and improve space communications?
- Are there new protocols or coding techniques that would improve the security?
- How can we dissuade/prevent adversaries from data exfiltration?
How can we ensure data integrity?
- Other disruptive technologies related to or benefiting space cyber resiliency.
September 1, 2020
The Cyber for Space Applications cohort kicked off with eight amazing cyber companies – completely virtual!
September 1, 2020
Col Eric Felt
Col Eric Felt, Director AFRL/RV, spoke with the cohort about why small businesses are so important to AFRL.
September 30, 2020
Dr. Michele Gaudreault
Dr. Michele Gaudreault, USSF/DST Deputy Chief Scientist, met with the cohort to help make valuable connections.
November 19, 2020
#CACSA Demo Day
The final event where our eight Cyber companies pitch their technology to a virtual room full of customers, decision makers, and stake holders.
ANOVA Intelligence is a mission-critical cyber anomaly detection and data analysis software company. Our AI/ML-powered software arms critical infrastructure IT & OT systems with the defensive weapon system, battleplan and intel they require to neutralize advanced persistent threats (APTs).
Using our innovative technologies, a new space industry can be created – space based Data Centers.
Since late 2015, we have been perfecting our proprietary, patent pending photonic method of data storage which puts data in a constant state of perpetual motion. Achieved through the use of ultra-high bandwidth lasers, data now moves in an endless circulating loop.
LyteLoop’s revolutionary “storage in motion” technique will transform how data is stored while providing a myriad of unique and customizable advantages based on the desired LyteLoop application deployed. LyteLoop now makes it possible to harness the power of light to store huge amounts of data in spaced based Hyperscale Storage Data Centers.
The Program Hosts Its Sixth Accelerator COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo – August 26, 2020 – Eight small businesses will connect from across the country for the