Satellite

Network
H acking And
Security
Analysis
 Introduction
Satellites have assumed a crucial role in our
contemporary society; they are used in both
private and public sectors for numerous
purposes, from communication to research.
Satellites provide many significant services,
including communication, navigation, remote
sensing, imaging, and weather and
meteorological support. Satellites support
direct radio communication and provide
television broadcast and cable relay services,
as well as home reception. Satellite services
also support applications such as mobile and
cellular communication, telemedicine, cargo
tracking, point-of-sale transactions, and
Internet access. Satellites also provide
redundancy and backup capabilities to
ground- based communications
What are Satellite Networks?

Satellite networks are

communication systems that
use artificial satellites to
provide connectivity across large
distances. They play a crucial role
in various sectors like
telecommunications, weather
forecasting, and navigation.
Basic Architecture
Satellites are complex systems
consisting of multiple
components. They include the
satellite itself, tracking and
control ground stations, and
communications ground stations.
The satellite is composed of a bus
(platform) and payload (specific
equipment).
Communication ground
stations play a crucial role in
processing data and
establishing links with
terrestrial networks. Satellite
transmission primarily relies on
radio and microwave signals
for communication
 Architecture
cont...
Satellites operate in various orbits, such as low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit
(MEO), high Earth orbit (HEO), polar orbits, and geosynchronous or geostationary
orbit (GEO). Geosynchronous satellites remain fi ed above a specific location,
providing continuous coverage. DiIerent satellite types tend to favor specific orbits.
For e ample, early warning satellites prefer HEO, while LEO is commonly used for
earth observation.
GPS navigation satellites operate in MEO. When satellites reach the end of their
operationa lifespan, they are either moved to higher "graveyard" orbits or intentionally
burned up in the atmosphere.
Communication between satellites involves essential elements such as transponders,
amplifiers, and access techniques. Transponders are responsible for receiving and
transmit ing signals. Amplifiers, including traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs)
and solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs), boost signal strength for eIective
communication.
Access techniques like code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division
multiple access (FDMA), and time division multiple access (TDMA) enable e cient
Risks and Vulnerabilities

Satellite networks face threats

from hacking and cyber attacks.
Vulnerabilities include weak
encryption, interference, and
eavesdropping. These risks can lead
to data breaches, communication
disruption, and misuse of satellite
resources.
Risks and Vulnerabilities

• Vulnerable Software
• Encryption
• Backdoors
• Insecure protocols
 Risks and Vulnerabilities

It's to note that

important
communication satellites generally
lack robust protection, making them
susceptible to interference. Attackers
can exploit vulnerabilities in hardware
or use readily available equipment to
disrupt satellite communication.
Even though efforts have been made
to secure satellite communication,
technical countermeasures are
limited. Interference with
communication frequencies can be
challenging to prevent, as attackers
can adjust their frequency or power
to overcome countermeasures.
Understanding the intricate technical details of
atellite systems is not always essential for hackers.
E ploiting hardware vulnerabilities or using oI-the-
helf equipment can be easier and more accessible.
This highlights the importance of implementing
dditional security measures and safeguards to protect
atellite systems against potential hacking attempts.
Network Threats
Electronic Attack
Uplink Jamming
Downlink
Jamming
Spoofing

C yber
Attacks
Malicious software
Denial of service
spoofing
Data interception
Astro-Malware Mayhem
Zero Gravity Dos party
Satellite Signal Rerouting
Orbit based Attacks

• Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
• Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO)
Electronic Attack
Use of electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or target
adversaries. It highlights the vulnerability of US space systems to jamming and spoofing.
Jammers emit noise-like signals to disrupt desired signals, and both military and commercial
satellite systems are susceptible to uplink and downlink jamming. Uplink jammers need to
match the power of the ground-based emitter they are interfering with, while downlink jammers
can be less powerful but still eIective. Attacking a satellite's uplink during critical command
periods can severely impact mission performance. Electronic jamming has limitations due to
line-of-sight restrictions and increased satellite autonomy, making attacking the downlink a
more accessible and reliable option

Uplink Jamming
Uplink jamming is a strategy used to disrupt satellite communications by transmit ing
a jamming signal that interferes with the satellite's ability to distinguish between the
genuine uplink signal and the jamming signal. There are two types of satellite uplink
signals: payload signals (such as TV and communications) and command uplinks.
D ownlink
Jamming
The main targets for downlink jamming in satellite communication are SATCOM
broadcasts and navigation satellite (NAVSAT) broadcasts. The objective of an electronic at
ack (EA) in a downlink jamming scenario is to disrupt or temporarily block the
transmission of spacecraft's signals to select ground users. Downlink jammers achieve
this by broadcasting a high-power RF signal, similar in frequency to the targeted
downlink signal, towards the reception antenna on the ground. The jamming signal
overwhelms the satellite's signal and hampers its reception. Smart jamming techniques
involve emulating the satellite's signal to deceive the targeted users with false data.

Spoofing
Spoofing refers to the ability to intercept, modify, and retransmit a communication stream
in a manner that deceives the intended recipient. In the conte t of space systems, at acking
the communication segment through spoofing involves gaining control over the system by
posing as an authorized user. By establishing trust as a legitimate user, false commands can
be injected into a satellite's command receiver, leading to malfunctions or mission failure.
Spoofing is considered a highly covert and deniable method of at acking space systems.
Malware Attack

Malware sneaks into space stations and satellites through interstellar USB sticks or
encrypted alien transmission. It then infects critical systems, turning them into sentient disco
parties.

Denial of Service

Cosmic hackers harness the power of black holes, redirecting their gravitational force to create a
tidal wave of cosmic trac e that overwhelms satellite networks.
Data interception
Technologically advanced e traterrestrial beings use mind-reading antennas to intercept
encrypted signals between ground stations and satellites, stealing classified space recipes for
alien nachos.

Spoofing Attack
Mischievous cosmic entities mimic the electromagnetic signatures of space station personnel,
confusing satellites into following their whimsical commands to perform intergalactic
somersaults
Astro-Malware Mayhem
Intergalactic hackers introduce malware into space station systems or satellite firmware. This
can be done through compromised software updates or physical access to the hardware.

Zero-Gravity DoS Party

Hackers overwhelm satellite networks with excessive traffic, causing network congestion
and rendering communication systems ineIective.
Satellite Signal Rerouting:
Mischievous individuals manipulate satellite signals to reroute them to unintended destinations,
potentially disrupting communication or diverting data to unauthorized recipients.

Physical At
ack disguise themselves as asteroids and engage in a playful game of interstellar
Cosmic pranksters
dodgeball, bouncing o I satellites and leaving trails of confet i in their wake.
Methods of Satellite Network
Hacking
Hackers em ploy various
techniques such as signal
jam m ing, spoofi ng, and
exploiting system vulnerabilities
to gain unauthorized access to
satellite networks. They m ay
attempt to intercept, alter, or
block data transmission.
Methods of Satellite Hacking
Iridiumtoolkit
SATCOM Terminals: Hacking by
Air, Sea, and Land
Spread Spectrum Satcom
Hacking Reverse Engineering
Satellite
GP S As An Attack Vector
 Security Measures

To protect satellite networks, robust security

measures are essential. These include strong
encryption algorithms, regular security audits,
network monitoring, and intrusion detection
systems.
 Remediations
Anti jamming (-Spread-spectrum)
Hardening (EM P and radiation
shielding) GP S authentication)
Embeded security
processor(Encryption,Digital
Signing,Identity
management) Detection and
blocking
 R emediations
cont..
Malware At acks Remediation:
Implement robust antivirus software and intrusion detection
systems specifically designed for space stations and satellites.
Regularly update software and firmware to protect against known
vulnerabilities. Conduct thorough security audits and penetration
testing to identify and mitigate potential weaknesses.
 R emediations
cont..
Denial-of-Service (DoS) At acks Remediation:
Deploy network tra c monitoring and anomaly detection systems
to identify unusual pat erns or spikes in cosmic tra c. Implement
load balancing techniques and redundancy mechanisms to
distribute tra c eIectively and ensure uninterrupted service.
Establish backup satellite connections to maintain critical
operations during high-tra c events
 R emediations
cont..
Data Interception Remediation:
Utilize advanced encryption algorithms and protocols to secure
data transmissions between ground stations and satellites.
Implement secure key management practices to protect encryption
keys from unauthorized access. Conduct regular assessments of
communication channels and protocols to identify and address
potential vulnerabilities.
 R emediations
cont..
Spoofing At acks Remediation:
Implement multifactor authentication mechanisms to validate the
authenticity of commands sent to satellites. Utilize cryptographic
protocols to ensure the integrity and non-repudiation of
communication. Employ secure communication channels that
utilize strong encryption and digital signatures to prevent spoofing
at empts.
 Remediations cont..
Physical At acks Remediation:
Incorporate space debris tracking systems to monitor and predict
the trajectory of asteroids or other potential physical threats.
Develop collision avoidance strategies and protocols to maneuver
satellites away from incoming objects. Implement physical shielding
and hardening measures to protect critical components from
impacts.
 Remediations cont..
Astro-Malware Mayhem:
Strengthen security measures by implementing strict access
controls, physical tamper-proofing mechanisms, and rigorous
software testing.Employ secure software development practices to
minimize vulnerabilities.Regularly update firmware with verified
and trusted sources.
 Remediations cont..
Zero-Gravity DoS Party:
Deploy tra c monitoring and filtering systems to identify and block
abnormal or malicious tra c.Utilize tra c shaping techniques to
prioritize critical communications and allocate resources
e ciently.Implement redundant network infrastructure to handle
increased tra c during an at ack.
 Remediations cont..
Satellite Signal Rerouting:
Implement signal integrity checks to detect and prevent signal
manipulation.Deploy advanced encryption algorithms to protect
sensitive data during transmission.Utilize ground station
monitoring systems to identify any unauthorized signal redirection
at empts.
 C onclusion
Satellite systems follow a standard template of TT&C and communication
ground stations, uplinks and downlinks, and orbiting satellites. Communication
ground stations connect to diverse terrestrial networks, with VSATs playing a
significant role. Vulnerabilities e ist at all nodes and links within the satellite
structure.E ploitation of these vulnerabilities can occur through internet-
connected computer networks or by manipulating radio waves in uplinks and
downlinks. Challenges in securing satellite systems include advanced
technology accessibility, diverse operators and designs, comple supply chains,
military adoption of oIensive satellites, and international disputes over
governance, orbit, and frequencies. The comple ity of satellite vulnerabilities is
limited by system diversity and lack of transparency.Additionally, the large
quantity of satellites with unique designs operated by diIerent sectors and states
poses analysis di culties due to secrecy measures.
Thanks
!