Cybersecurity Threats in Global Satellite Internet

On Mar 25, 2024

By Gizem Yılmaz, Master Expert Data Analyst, Turkcell Technology

Internet via satellite was first used for military purposes in the 1960s and became available for wide-scale commercial use in the 1990s. Current satellite internet systems typically use low-orbit satellites and provide data transmission at low speeds due to limited bandwidth. Starlink, on the other hand, is a project developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company and aims to provide a faster, more reliable and more comprehensive internet experience with low latency and high bandwidth through a high number of low orbit satellites.

The surge in satellite internet usage has opened up a new frontier for cybersecurity threats, ranging from sophisticated hacking attempts to disruptive denial-of-service attacks.

[1] Last year, a security researcher at KU Leuven, Lennert Wouters, unveiled potential vulnerabilities in Starlink satellites, revealing that hackers could exploit hardware weaknesses in ground-based terminals. At the Blackhat Security Conference, Wouters demonstrated the feasibility of a low-cost mod chip, priced at around $25, to execute a “fault injection attack,” bypassing Starlink’s security measures and gaining unauthorized access to its systems. Recently, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) issued a warning about a new malware, “Malware 4. STL,” which utilizes a person’s mobile device to remotely gather data on Starlink systems, representing a distinctive threat compared to previous concerns about direct hacking or system disruption.

Hacking Satellites: Vulnerabilities and Risks:

As satellites play a pivotal role in global communication, they become attractive targets for malicious actors seeking to compromise sensitive data or gain unauthorized access. The vulnerabilities in satellite systems can manifest in various ways, from exploiting software vulnerabilities in ground control systems to physically tampering with the satellite hardware. Potential risks associated with satellite hacking include unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of satellite functions, and disruption of communication services. Attackers may exploit vulnerabilities in satellite systems, ranging from software weaknesses to physical tampering, leading to consequences such as compromised national security, corporate espionage, and the potential for disabling critical infrastructure.

Satellite systems often rely on outdated software or insufficient security protocols, providing avenues for exploitation. Moreover, the lack of regular software updates in orbiting satellites exacerbates the challenge of securing these systems. Let’s look at case studies and real-world examples to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical and current threats facing satellites in orbit. One notable example is the 1998 case of the “Moonlight Maze” cyber espionage campaign, where attackers, suspected to be state-sponsored, infiltrated U.S. Department of Defense computer systems and gained access to classified satellite data. In a more recent incident, the 2020 “Serpent Chaser” attack targeted a European aerospace company, aiming to steal sensitive satellite technology and highlighted the ongoing and evolving threats faced by satellite systems in the contemporary cybersecurity landscape.

Data Interception in Satellite Communication:

Data transmitted via satellite communication channels are susceptible to interception by adversaries, posing a significant threat to privacy and national security. Cybercriminals employ techniques like eavesdropping on satellite communication channels and exploiting weak encryption protocols to intercept sensitive data transmitted via satellite. The consequences of such interceptions can range from corporate espionage, where valuable proprietary information is stolen, to government surveillance compromising national security, and unauthorized access to classified information, posing a significant threat to both public and private entities.

Effective encryption protocols and secure communication channels are imperative to thwart data interception attempts. Advancements in satellite communication security include the implementation of quantum-resistant encryption algorithms and the development of secure key exchange protocols to counter emerging threats. However, challenges persist in the integration of these technologies due to the resource constraints on satellites and the need for standardized security measures, necessitating collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies to establish comprehensive security standards and best practices.

Satellite Jamming and Denial of Service Attacks:

Satellite jamming, a form of radio-frequency interference, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks present tangible threats to the reliability and availability of satellite services. Satellite jamming involves the deliberate interference with satellite signals through the transmission of radio-frequency signals on the same frequency, disrupting communication links. The consequences of such attacks range from temporary service disruptions, affecting telecommunications and navigation systems, to the more severe outcome of complete incapacitation of satellite systems, impacting critical infrastructure and national security.

To mitigate the risks posed by satellite jamming and DoS attacks, robust countermeasures are essential. Recent advancements in anti-jamming technologies involve the integration of adaptive beamforming, frequency agility, and artificial intelligence to enhance the resilience of satellite systems against intentional disruptions. Analyzing case studies, such as the 2019 Iranian GPS jamming incidents, provides valuable insights into the evolving tactics employed by adversaries and helps assess the effectiveness of countermeasures, informing the ongoing development of robust strategies to safeguard satellite communication against intentional disruptions.

In conclusion, the escalating cybersecurity threats to global satellite internet underscore the imperative for proactive measures to fortify the integrity and reliability of satellite communication systems. As the reliance on satellite technology burgeons, a concerted effort in implementing advanced encryption, anti-jamming technologies, and collaborative international initiatives becomes paramount to mitigate risks and ensure the secure and uninterrupted operation of satellite networks. [2] Satellite cybersecurity faces significant challenges, particularly with the proliferation of smallsats by commercial entities like SpaceX’s Starlink, introducing vulnerabilities due to minimal development costs and high cybersecurity expenses. The overcrowded low Earth orbit, coupled with the lack of engagement from private corporations in securing satellites, creates a conducive environment for potential disasters orchestrated by malicious actors. The proposed solutions include implementing stronger encryption, such as quantum encryption, advancing laser-based communication, and reinforcing intrusion detection (IDS) and prevention systems (IPS), necessitating an urgent upgrade to the regulatory regime governing satellite cybersecurity to mitigate current threats.

References

[1] McMillan, T. (2023). “Recent Intel Report Reveals New Starlink Vulnerabilities, Increasing Concerns About the Future of Global Satellite Internet.” The Debrief. URL: https://thedebrief.org/recent-intel-report-reveals-new-starlink-vulnerabilities-increasing-concerns-about-the-future-of-global-satellite-internet/

[2] Edward Verco, Satellites Are Cyber Insecure: We Need Regulation to Avoid a Disaster, 2 ANU JOLT 57 (2021).

About the Author

Gizem Yılmaz is the Master Expert Data Analyst at Turkcell Technology which is the leading telecom company in Turkey. Gizem Yılmaz stands out as an experienced versatile data analyst and product owner with a strong background in network, sales, and cyber security, currently contributing expertise to the forefront of financial data analytics in the telecom sector. She focuses on value maximization, works on the discovery of features to add to the product. She is a professional specialized in data analysis and a person who provides significant added value to the product development process. With its data analysis skills and strategic thinking abilities, she supports the decision-making processes of the business and the product development process. Gizem also provides effective communication between teams and collaborates to ensure that projects are completed on time and successfully. With its professional experience and leadership competencies, it makes a valuable contribution to the achievement of the global goals of the enterprise.