Turns Out Hacking LEO Satellites Is Trivial

Meet Floor Station As A Service

You would possibly assume that the satellites orbiting Earth are secured in opposition to unauthorized entry however sadly it appears that isn’t the case.  The idea that satellites are safe is generally primarily based on the idea that the {hardware} inside is a properly saved secret, and that speaking with a satellite tv for pc is subsequent to inconceivable with out entry to it’s floor station.  Sadly, each assumptions are unfaithful.

The {hardware} inside industrial satellites is straightforward bought to have the ability to tear aside, assuming you may have the cash.  As soon as somebody has that {hardware} in hand they’ll take on a regular basis they should discover vulnerabilities, in spite of everything it’s non-trivial to interchange {hardware} on a satellite tv for pc in low Earth orbit.  The researcher, who considerably regrets doing this analysis additionally decided you may construct your personal practical floor station for round $10,000.  That’s not low cost, however doubtless nowhere close to the amount of cash you may need assumed it could take.

You may as well skip the bottom {hardware}, as each AWS and Azure supply Floor Station as a Service (GSaaS) now.  Once more, all it takes is a bit of cash to realize the power to speak with orbiting satellites.   For example, the favored CubeSat has no authentication protocols, and broadcast unencrypted indicators.   More nightmare fuel can be found at The Register.