Space ISAC White Papers

Advancing Cybersecurity in Space at OASIS

Publish Date: Wednesday, 02 October
Authors: Erin Miller, Hector Falcon, and Joel Francis

As space operations become increasingly complex, the need for effective threat intelligence sharing is more crucial than ever. The increase in data transmission across space networks brings both opportunities and heightened risks, as cyber threats increasingly target critical space infrastructure. Protecting these assets demands a coordinated and proactive approach to threat intelligence sharing. To address this, the OASIS global standards body is working with Space ISAC to form the Space Automated Threat Intelligence Sharing (SATIS) Technical Committee (TC). The group will formally launch on Oct 9, but initial members include NSA, Northrup Grumman, Cyware, MITRE, Peraton, and Carnegie Mellon University. SATIS will build on existing frameworks like Structured Threat Information Expression (STIX) and Trusted Automated eXchange of Intelligence Information (TAXII) to help secure space operations against evolving threats…

Abstract: As space technology becomes increasingly critical to global infrastructure, the cybersecurity needs of our space systems have become a focal point. Traditional security measures struggle to keep pace with the speed, frequency, and complexity of emerging adversarial attacks. These evolving threats necessitate new approaches to cybersecurity that leverage technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Security Operations (MLSecOps) to enhance resilience. We examine existing, key frameworks that focus on AI and space-based cyber vulnerabilities, such as MITRE ATLAS and SPARTA, and assess their applicability to AI-driven space cybersecurity. While specific AI development will be unique for each space application use-case, the broad cybersecurity challenges associated with space components, infrastructure, and operations are explored and opportunities for AI integration are discussed. We emphasize the importance of intrusion detection, anomaly detection, and adaptive threat mitigation, as well as acknowledge the adversarial and environmental risks that AI introduces. By integrating AI-driven security measures with established cybersecurity frameworks, this paper provides a roadmap for strengthening space system defenses against present and future cyber threats.
The authors of this study would like to thank the Space ISAC and New York University’s Center for Global Affairs for their support to this project. We would also like to thank those who participated in any of the runnings of the Saving Selene tabletop exercise without which this study would not have been possible

Developing a Sustainable Space Domain

Abstract: The Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC) advocates for the responsible use of space and associated space-related activi­ties. In alignment with the United States Space Priorities Framework, December 2021, the Space ISAC will focus on and advocate in the near-term for work-force development and the continued emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to support space activities; the enhanced use of space in support of climate change; and the establishment of norms, which should include a discussion leading to the end of destructive anti-satellite (ASAT) testing in outer space. The Space ISAC also supports respon­sible behavior in space for all actors, and as such, developed three key pillars around developing norms and behavior for collective security, adopt­ing space evolutions, and ensuring access to universal public-private sharing of threats. At such a key inflection point where space infrastructure is nearly indivisible from a functioning society, it is imperative to ensure the preservation of the space domain.
Abstract: The growing space industry relies increasingly on AI solutions, valued at around $2 billion, for operational security and strategic advantages. However, the unique space environment poses cybersecurity challenges, leading to vulnerabilities in AI-enabled technologies. To address this, the Space ISAC AI/ML Community of Interest proposes Machine Learning Security Operations (MLSecOps) as a framework for securing and maintaining trustworthy AI technologies in space. MLSecOps draws inspiration from DevSecOps and MLOps methodologies, integrating security and data-centric practices into AI development and deployment. By implementing MLSecOps, the space community can ensure the resilience and performance of AI systems while countering evolving cyber threats, enhancing space superiority. Further research and collaborative efforts will promote the adoption of MLSecOps, establishing best practices for AI/ML in space operations.

Information Sharing Working Group Current and Future Capabilities FAQ

CMMC Resources

Kratos Defense CMMC Supply Chain Briefing

OUSD(A&S) CMMC website

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Statement: Assessing Contractor Cybersecurity Requirements (DFARS Cases 2019-D041)

DIB SCC CyberAssist

CMMC Model and Assessment Guides

Sparta: Space Attack Research and Threat Analysis

Cybersecurity matrices have become an industry standard approach for providing a knowledge base of adversary behaviors and serve as a taxonomy for adversarial actions across the attack lifecycle. The Aerospace Corporation created the Space Attack Research and Tactic Analysis (SPARTA) matrix to address the information and communication barriers that hinder the identification and sharing of space-cyber Tactic, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP). SPARTA is intended to provide unclassified information to space professionals about how spacecraft may be compromised via cyber means. The matrix defines and categorizes commonly identified activities that contribute to spacecraft compromises.

The Aerospace Corporation Papers

Space ISAC Newsletter

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