A group of researchers were able to install a satellite belonging to the European Space Agency ESA chop. They took full control of his communication, cameras and even his steering systems.
The attack was part of a controlled hack as part of the CYSAT conference on April 26th and 27th. The Cybersecurity Team arms company Thales took part in the ESA’s competition, which had the aim of taking control of a Nanosatellites to take over. This was originally sent into low Earth orbit in 2019.
Satellite images have been modified
Thales’ team of four gained access to the satellite’s onboard systems, exploited several vulnerabilities and infiltrated malicious code into the systems of the satellite. In this way, they were able to alter the data sent to Earth and even mask selected geographic areas on the satellite images without ESA noticing.
The security team informed in a sendingthat criminals could hide from the satellite. With control over the height control and GPS-Navigation of the satellite could also be used for further mischief.
Satellite hacks are a growing problem
Hacks are the worst-case scenario for satellite operators – whether private or government – and a growing problem. As the Financial Times reported, it is assumed in the USA that China already working on such methods. According to this, China could imitate signals sent to foreign satellites in order to take control of the satellites. The country has been hacked by US observation satellites in the past Attacks on ground stations connected.
Just last year, a Belgian researcher showed how easy it is to use the satellite dish for the Starlink Internet by SpaceX to hack. Using unofficial firmware, hackers could explore the backend of the satellite system and even communicate with the satellites themselves.
Russia also hacks satellites
Commercial satellites have proven to be extremely vulnerable to hacks in the past. In a report by Bloomberg Cybersecurity experts explain how Russia was able to hack several commercial satellite internet systems early in the invasion of Ukraine. They couldn’t take control of the satellites, but they could interrupt the data transfer.
Die US Space Force is therefore already working to protect its satellites in space. Most of the work consists of Anti-satellite missiles or flying objects to look out for in the orbit of the satellites. However, the Space Force also hosts its own hacking competitionsin which all participants who find a vulnerability in the satellite systems win prize money.
