Survey of Space Professionals’ Perception of Satellite Cybersecurity from 2012 to 2022: Decision-Makers’ Thoughts on Satellite Cybersecurity Evolving

Abstract

Cyberattacks on space assets are often portrayed in vague terms of doubt and mystery. Several claims depict satellites being compromised or attacked, but little corroboration has been published or made publicly available. As the commercial space industry grows, increased concern with space cybersecurity will prompt commercial satellite decision-makers to analyze the often-undefined risk of cyberattacks against satellites. This article identifies and characterizes the nature of cybersecurity risks to space assets and postulates why space professionals might not prioritize cybersecurity. Additional information was captured from a decadal survey of space professionals conducted in 2012 and 2022. The results show a rise in the perception of risk to satellites from cybersecurity threats. This increase in the perception of risk is not fully defined or agreed upon leaving room for future studies.