SoK: Securing the Final Frontier for Cybersecurity in Space-Based Infrastructure

TL;DR

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of cyberattack vectors on space-based infrastructure, evaluates mitigation strategies, and proposes a risk scoring framework to enhance cybersecurity in space systems.

Contribution

It offers a thorough examination of space cyberattack vectors and assesses mitigation techniques, filling gaps in previous research by providing a rigorous framework for risk assessment.

Findings

Identified key cyberattack vectors across ground, space, satellite, and constellation systems.

Evaluated the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures.

Proposed a novel Risk Scoring Framework for space cybersecurity.

Abstract

With the advent of modern technology, critical infrastructure, communications, and national security depend increasingly on space-based assets. These assets, along with associated assets like data relay systems and ground stations, are, therefore, in serious danger of cyberattacks. Strong security defenses are essential to ensure data integrity, maintain secure operations, and protect assets in space and on the ground against various threats. Previous research has found discrete vulnerabilities in space systems and suggested specific solutions to address them. Such research has yielded valuable insights, but lacks a thorough examination of space cyberattack vectors and a rigorous assessment of the efficacy of mitigation techniques. This study tackles this issue by taking a comprehensive approach to analyze the range of possible space cyber-attack vectors, which include ground, space, satellite, and satellite constellations. In order to address the particular threats, the study also assesses the efficacy of mitigation measures that are linked with space infrastructures and proposes a Risk Scoring Framework. Based on the analysis, this paper identifies potential research challenges for developing and testing cutting-edge technology solutions, encouraging robust cybersecurity measures needed in space.