Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
India recently landed a spacecraft on the moon and is investing in its space capability, but there is a need for improved cybersecurity to protect space systems from attacks. With the rise in nation-state conflicts, space systems are becoming a target for cyber threats. India faces more than 3,300 cyber attacks per week, and the aerospace and defense sector is ranked fifth in terms of attacks. The country needs to focus on training cybersecurity professionals and strengthening cybersecurity measures to secure its critical infrastructure.
India Needs Better Cybersecurity for Space Systems
India recently landed a spacecraft on the moon, highlighting its growing space capabilities. However, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization emphasized the need for better cybersecurity to protect the software and hardware of space systems. With nearly five dozen satellites in orbit, India faces cyber threats due to its extensive network for accessing space-based assets.
The competition between nations with space ambitions has led to an increase in attacks on space systems. India’s emerging space effort could attract regional attackers, especially due to its tense relations with countries like China and Pakistan. The country needs to develop cybersecurity tools and expertise to safeguard its space-focused systems created in-house or by domestic firms.
India faces more than 3,300 cyber attacks per week, which is significantly higher than the global average. The aerospace and defense sector, including the space agency, is a prime target for cyber attacks. Other space-capable nations are also researching cyber threats to space assets and developing defense mechanisms.
Government initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat aim to create more startups and a larger ecosystem of cybersecurity professionals in India. The country currently has over 40,000 openings for skilled cybersecurity workers. There is an urgent need to provide training for cybersecurity professionals and increase cyber-awareness programs to address the growing cyber threats.
As India focuses on research and development in space technology, there is a need for rigorous security testing, as many projects are novel and lack adequate security measures. The chairman of ISRO emphasized the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the face of cyber attacks, stressing the importance of securing design, personal, and scientific data from potential threats.
Overall, India needs to prioritize cybersecurity for its space systems and critical infrastructure to protect against cyber threats and secure its position as a major space power.
