The world's first hacking test satellite 'Moonlighter' is launched
The artificial satellite `` Moonlighter '', which verifies hacking technology in outer space, was launched on June 2, 2023. Moonlighter will be operated as a testbed for hackers in the future to study satellite hacking methods in space and improve technology to prevent hacking.
Moonlighter, the World's First Hacking Test Bed in Space
Moonlighter space-hacking satellite reads for launch • The Register
https://www.theregister.com/2023/06/03/moonlighter_satellite_hacking/
Six small satellites, called CubeSats, were launched on June 2 during SpaceX's 28th Commercial Resupply Service (CRS) mission at Kennedy Space Center. Among them is the artificial satellite 'Moonlighter' launched by the aerospace organization Aerospace. 'Moonlighter is the world's first and only 'space hacking sandbox' designed and launched to advance our understanding of cybersecurity in space systems,' explains Aerospace.
A hacking sandbox is a cybersecurity technology that lets hackers conduct tests to identify ways to prevent hacking. Moonlighter will support on-orbit cybersecurity training and exercises through this project, sponsored by ISS National Laboratory.
Developed by the Space Systems Command, Moonlighter is a medium-sized CubeSat weighing about 5 kg, with a stowed size of 34 cm x 11 cm x 11 cm, and a fully deployed size of 50 cm x with the solar panel unfolded. It will be 34 cm x 11 cm.
Aerospace project leader Aaron Myrick said, 'It's difficult to test hacking on a real satellite because it jeopardizes that satellite's mission. I wanted to create something new from scratch to fill the gap in space cyber activities, where there are no satellites to conduct cybersecurity tests.Moonlighter is a sandbox, so to speak, for professional hackers. space and tools for them to conduct cyber exercises and test new technologies, and we believe this will lead to more cyber-resistant architectures for future space missions. I look forward to it,' he said.
Moonlighter plans to participate in the satellite hacking event
James Pavour, a software engineer at security firm Istari, who has participated in Hack-A-Sat three times, said, ``The most obvious difference from hacking on the ground is going to space and recreating a satellite. It's the point where you can't start it,' he says.
When something goes wrong with normal network equipment, a reboot is often the way to fix the problem, but satellites orbiting far above us have no physical access. Therefore, satellites are provided with multiple means of communication as redundancy to restore the system, but this is also an intrusion route for malicious attackers to access the satellite.
Satellites are also exposed to environmental threats such as solar radiation, extreme temperatures, and orbital debris, which must be addressed with limited resources, so cybersecurity measures should not be put off. It is often unavoidable.
On the other hand, as the commercialization of the aerospace industry progresses and the hurdles to advance into space are lowered, space is becoming more accessible to malicious hackers. In particular, Russia's cyberattacks on Western satellite networks as a prelude to its invasion of Ukraine have made a strong impression that cyberwarfare in space, which was once a science fiction story, has become a real threat. I was.
``Russia launched a cyber attack on Ukraine's satellite communication network'' officially accused by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the EU-GIGAZINE
“I hope that projects like Moonlighter will make the industry rethink the fact that space is a really cool and fun place to be, and that hackers are also interested in it,” said Pavour. 'There are a lot of incredibly talented security guys out there who want to make space a safer place.'
Related Posts:
in Security, Posted by log1l_ks