News
Expert Commentary: Cyber attack on the Alma radio telescope
November 2022 by Kelvin Murray - Senior Threat Researcher, OpenText Security Solutions
After the cyber attack on the Alma radio telescope the commentary from Kelvin Murray - Senior Threat Researcher, OpenText Security Solutions on why no industry is safe from cyber attack but the space sector has an added level of danger when it is compromised, meaning the cyber defences are vital.
Kelvin Murray - Senior Threat Researcher, OpenText Security Solutions:
“While very little is off-limits to bad cyber actors, space and space technology is very much a worrying new frontier in global cyberattacks. This applies to systems on the ground as much as those in the air such as satellites and this is why groups like NASA are hosting summits and pushing for more research on security in the sector.
As well as providing the world with valuable information and services, the sheer cost of the systems involved means they are vulnerable.
When it comes to a cyber attack in the space industry, this has an added level of danger as future travel missions could be left in danger of being hi-jacked – with hackers having the potential to cause inter-space collisions and destroy communication systems, for example, should they be able to penetrate mission-critical, earth-based systems.
The cyber attack on the Alma radio telescope is a stark reminder that no matter the industry, cyber defences need to be regularly assessed and updated to ensure that hacks like these don’t happen.
As digital equipment and software develops, the industry needs to keep cyber risk top of mind and continually assess the strength of its defences. The consequence of the breach cannot be undermined.”
