Current Analysis on
Communication Engineering

Research Article  |  Published 11 June 2019

Cybersecurity Considerations for Internet of Things Small Satellite Systems

David Bird*
British Computer Society, London, UK.

Abstract

Background: Today’s Internet of Things capabilities provide low data-rate technologies that disseminate data from the front-end sensors to back-end processors. Increasingly satellites are becoming a credible alternative bearer to augment terrestrial networks utilized by the Internet of Things. However, cyber-attacks against Ground and Space Segments could arise as a follow-on from many years of encountering terrestrial critical national infrastructure threats. Vulnerabilities have been exposed by researchers within some satellite terminal equipment utilized by the User Segment and some previous cases of larger satellite malfunctions in the past may have been attributed to cyber threats targeting the Space Segment. Ground Segment weaknesses may be able to be exploited by hacker groups determined to embark on nefarious objectives against either the command and control element or effect attacks against upstream and downstream data links serviced by the Space Segment. 
Objective: Therefore, cybersecurity is becoming more relevant for the Internet of Things small satellite systems agenda. There are assertions that satellites are secure and resilient but in this age of heightened cyber threats traditional perspectives of satellite security can now be overturned. All Segments are explored in relation to Internet of Things small satellite communications and connectivity perspectives. This article challenges misinterpretations from the legacy status quo relating to traditional commercial satellite communication methods. Communications paths that potentially offer exploitable vulnerabilities or weaknesses to hackers.
Conclusion: The aspiration for using Internet of Things satellite communication paths are particularly pertinent as these will form part of machine-to-machine technologies that are starting to underpin future services, industries and critical national infrastructure. Previous cyber events provide a context about weaknesses associated with larger space assets and these lessons should be learned by the small satellite industry. The spectre of cyber-attacks is becoming more profound and a paradigm shift is required by the space industry to move away from legacy security measures and embrace cybersecurity principles. If attackers compromise ground station networks, they could in effect either take control of small satellites (high skill level) or cause an outage (low skill level) that would in varying degrees ultimately affect the satellites under ground station control. Cybersecurity aspects need to be considered to protect not only command and control and user data uplinks and downlinks, but also intersatellite cross-links; in order to protect data confidentially and preserve data integrity. Without a reassessment of space protective measures in this day and age the damage to the reputation of the evolving space assets supporting the Fourth Industrial Revolution could be dire. A rethink now can address the imbalance of inherent weaknesses drawn from the past and benefit the security state of tomorrow’s Internet of Things small satellite swarm constellations.

Keywords:
Cybersecurity, Internet of Things, Small Satellites, Satellite Networks.

MESFORD Publisher Inc is a premier global publisher of science, technology and medical resources. We offer unique, trusted content by expert authors, spreading knowledge and promoting discovery worldwide. We aim to broaden thinking and advance understanding in the sciences, providing researchers, academics, professionals, and students with the tools they need to share ideas and realize their potential