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NASA's missions, from Mars Rover explorations to Artemis moon missions, are increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, prompting U.S. congressmen to propose the Spacecraft Cybersecurity Act. The act mandates NASA to incorporate strict cybersecurity measures from the design phase of spacecraft to prevent mission failures, data theft, and national security risks. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlighted NASA's current lack of mandatory cybersecurity guidelines during spacecraft development, underscoring the urgency of addressing these vulnerabilities. If passed, the proposed act would require NASA to update its acquisition policies and establish continuous monitoring protocols to protect missions, setting a global benchmark for cybersecurity in space exploration. https://lnkd.in/eEHJd5Gu

This past summer, the Spacecraft Cybersecurity Act made its debut in the House. This legislation aims to ensure that NASA obtains a robust cybersecurity protection plan from manufacturers seeking federal funding to build spacecraft. The need for such measures has become urgent, following a barrage of cyberattacks from hostile entities, notably from China and Russia, which have jeopardized the safety of Americans, including our astronauts. So, what steps can we take to ensure that cybersecurity is prioritized right from the manufacturing stage?

This past summer, the Spacecraft Cybersecurity Act made its debut in the House. This legislation aims to ensure that NASA obtains a robust cybersecurity protection plan from manufacturers seeking federal funding to build spacecraft. The need for such measures has become urgent, following a barrage of cyberattacks from hostile entities, notably from China and Russia, which have jeopardized the safety of Americans, including our astronauts. So, what steps can we take to ensure that cybersecurity is prioritized right from the manufacturing stage?

NASA’s missions are some of the most technologically advanced and critically important endeavours. From the Mars Rover explorations to the Artemis missions to the Moon, the space agency’s projects push the boundaries of science and technology. However, these missions are also prime targets for cyber-attacks. In a bold move to counter the escalating threat of these attacks, US congressmen Maxwell Alejandro Frost and Don Beyer have proposed the Spacecraft Cybersecurity Act. If passed, the legislation would mandate the US space agency Nasa to overhaul the way it procures and builds its spacecraft. Keep reading to learn more here: https://t.ly/GIllr #Cybersecurity #Cyberattacks #GPS #Technology #AITGlobal #AcaciaInnovationsTechnology (Source: WEForum)

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted a review of NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s #cybersecurity practices and identified the need for a plan to update spacecraft acquisition policies and standards. Specifically, the agency was tasked with assessing the cybersecurity requirements outlined in NASA contracts for spacecraft projects. In its report, #GAO disclosed that it reviewed #NASA policies and standards regarding #spacecraft #cybersecurity. GAO selected a non-generalizable sample of three spacecraft projects, chosen because they represent different NASA centers and development stages, and include at least one robotic and one human spaceflight project. For these three, GAO analyzed contracts and project documents. GAO also interviewed project and cybersecurity officials. GAO recommends that NASA establish a plan with timelines to revise its spacecraft acquisition policies to include necessary controls. The NASA Administrator should ensure key personnel develop an implementation plan with timelines to update these policies and standards to integrate essential controls against #cyberthreats. While NASA agreed to update its policies, it did not commit to setting a plan with specific dates. GAO asserts that without a defined plan, the timing of implementation remains uncertain, thus upholding the validity of the recommendation. https://lnkd.in/gZEph-cA

🌌 Cyber Chronicles Day 19: Cybersecurity in Space – Safeguarding the Final Frontier 🚀 Did you know that space is not just the final frontier for exploration but also for cybersecurity? With satellites, space stations, and even Mars rovers dependent on secure networks, protecting space assets is more important than ever. And yes—space has already seen its share of cyberattacks. 🔴 The NASA Hack: A Close Call In 2018, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) was hacked through an unauthorized device connected to its network. The attack went undetected for months, and the hackers managed to steal 500 MB of critical data related to space missions, including information about the Mars Science Laboratory mission. Even more alarming, the hackers accessed the Deep Space Network, which communicates with spacecraft across the solar system! This breach raised serious concerns about the security of NASA’s systems, as it could have potentially disrupted ongoing space missions and data transmissions. Fortunately, NASA managed to contain the damage, but the incident revealed the vulnerability of space agencies to cyberattacks. 🚨 What’s at risk in space? Satellites: Hacked satellites could mean GPS failure, communication blackouts, or even interference with military operations. Space Missions: Hackers gaining control of mission-critical systems could endanger astronauts’ lives or sabotage exploration missions. Space Stations: Imagine if a cyberattack altered the course of the ISS or tampered with its life-support systems! 🔐 How can we secure the final frontier? Better Network Segmentation: Critical systems in space agencies must be isolated to prevent unauthorized access. Advanced Encryption: Secure communication between Earth and spacecraft is vital to preventing data theft and tampering. Cybersecurity Standards for Space: International cooperation is necessary to create new policies and standards to safeguard space assets. As we reach for the stars, space cybersecurity becomes a mission-critical priority. The next major battlefield could be beyond our atmosphere! 🌠 Fun Fact: This isn’t the first time NASA has been hacked. In 2001, a teenager disabled communications with the International Space Station! Cybersecurity challenges have long been part of our journey to space. #Cybersecurity #NASA #SpaceSecurity #TechInnovation #DataProtection #CyberThreat #CyberRisk #CyberAwareness #SatelliteSecurity #DeepSpace #FutureOfTech #CyberChronicles

Makes sense. Legislation now calling for spacecraft manufacturers to create cybersecurity plan when working with NASA By Eric White; 21 Oct 2024 The Spacecraft Cybersecurity Act was recently introduced in the House this past summer. The legislation would require NASA to secure a cybersecurity protection plan from manufacturers applying to use federal dollars to build NASA spacecrafts. The introduction comes after thousands of cyberattacks from malicious actors, including China and Russia, have been launched against NASA, threatening the safety of Americans, including our astronauts. So what can and needs to be done to make sure cyber protections are considered during the manufacturing stage? https://lnkd.in/dmF9UXdU

Digital twins are being used in space exploration to simulate and analyze spacecraft, helping engineers predict how systems will behave in extreme space environments before they are actually deployed. Read More: https://buff.ly/3YuQhpL. #didyouknow #DSTC #cybersecurity

Is NASA's Spacecraft Cybersecurity on Autopilot? NASA's incredible missions push the boundaries of human exploration, but a recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) raises concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in our spacecraft. Is Optional Enough? While NASA has overall cybersecurity standards, they haven't implemented mandatory security rules specifically for acquired spacecraft. Currently, these rely on optional best practices guides, which may not be consistently followed. This raises some important questions... -Are "best practices" enough to protect our spacecraft from cyberattacks? -Could inconsistent cybersecurity measures leave some spacecraft vulnerable? The GAO recommends that NASA develop a plan with deadlines to update its acquisition policies and incorporate essential cyber controls. NASA agrees with the need for updates but hesitates on a timeline due to the unique challenges of implementing cybersecurity in space. What do you think? Should NASA prioritize mandatory cybersecurity standards for spacecraft? #cybersecurity #space #NASA #GAO

Preparation beats predictions in cybersecurity Before launching themselves into space on rockets, NASA astronauts ran tests in high-altitude tests in hot-air balloons. On one such flight in 1961, Victor Prather and another pilot were testing their new space suits at 113,720 feet. As Prather descended back to earth, he opened his faceplate to his helmet to take in some fresh air. A very human reaction that presented seemingly low risk. That was until he eventually landed in the ocean as planned and was retrieved by helicopter. Prather slipped from his rescue line while being retrieved, and because of the opened faceplate his formerly airtight and buoyant suit became encapsulated with water. This unfortunately led to a fatal outcome. Despite so much planning, a tiny thing no one had considered had a catastrophic impact. As cybersecurity professionals we always expect risk, even if we can't foresee it. However, even meticulous planning can miss critical details, which can cause one to pause and think "how do I prevent a breach from an unseen threat?" It's this thought that should have cybersecurity leaders investing in preparedness, not prediction. Because a very human reaction from an employee, could lead to a detrimental outcome for your security. #CyberDefense #CyberAwareness #Cybersecurity #SameAsEver