Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures for Esa to Protect Against Digital Thieves and Hackers - Space Agency Pursues Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures Against Digital Threats
The European Space Agency (ESA) is fortifying its defenses against rising cyber threats with the inauguration of a new Cyber Security Operations Center. The center, to be unveiled on Tuesday at the control center in Darmstadt, shall monitor and protect approximately 28 satellites, ground stations, and control systems from malicious external influences.
The dual-located center, with sites in Darmstadt, Germany, and Belgium, aims to safeguard ESA's digital assets from increasingly intricate cyber attacks. Equipped with advanced monitoring capabilities, the center shall scrutinize up to 42 billion security-relevant incidents each month, offering real-time threat visualization for swift and targeted investigations, particularly during critical space missions like satellite or rocket launches.
Five years in the making, the center's inception signifies a substantial investment of around 26 million euros, with plans for full operational capacity by the end of 2026. The center has been collaboratively developed with an industry consortium, responding to the growing reliance of various sectors, including companies, energy networks, financial markets, and supply chains, on satellites and space-based services.
The newfound security measures are crucial for maintaining the integrity and continuity of ESA's satellite missions, which support Earth observation, navigation, and telecommunications. By shielding these assets from potential cyber threats, the ESA underscores its commitment to robust security measures in the evolving threat landscape.
The Community policy of the European Space Agency (ESA) emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity, given the rise in cyber threats, particularly in the realm of space-and-astronomy. The operation of the new Cyber Security Operations Center, equipped with advanced technology for real-time threat visualization, aligns with the ESA's employment policy, focusing on maintaining a secure digital environment for its satellites, ground stations, and control systems.
