Space cyber range established with assistance from Estonian corporations
Space Cyber Range: Estonia's Lead in Securing Space Infrastructure
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In partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), Estonian companies are paving the way for the creation of the world's first space cyber range. This innovative platform allows companies working in the sector to test their software, conduct training, and fortify their cyber defense capabilities.
The reliance of many industries on satellites in space has made their services and competitiveness vulnerable. As technology advances, traditional hazards such as technical glitches and satellite collisions are joined by human-induced threats. To mitigate the latter, the ESA is focusing on potential cyber threats, particularly with the lowering cost of taking control of satellites remotely.
Two consortia, formed by Estonian companies, are working on a concept for this space cyber training ground. The consortia include Spaceit, CybExer, CGI, Nortal, Talgen, and the Foundation CR14, established by the Estonian defense ministry.
"Estonia's private sector boasts immense potential in the space sector, and the capabilities to offer high-quality content, exercises, and data for the cyber range," said Hannes Krause, the head of research and development at CR14 [1]. "CR14 stands ready to venture into this initiative, building on over ten years of technical and contextual experience."
Estonian Companions Known to the ESA
According to Silver Lodi, the CEO and co-founder of Spaceit, the importance of securing space infrastructure's cyber security in light of the growing dependence on space technology and global political tensions cannot be overstated [1].
"This new range must offer features like simulating specific space-related environments, validating industry-specific components, and contributing to the growth of space cyber defense know-how," stated Lodi [1].
Estonian entrepreneurs connect with the ESA via the Estonian Space Office at the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency. The office is responsible for advising entrepreneurs and submitting suitable tenders [1].
Madis Võõras, the head of the Estonian Space Office, believes that Estonia's accomplishments in the field of cybersecurity make it a front-runner in Europe for the implementation of space services, management of threats, development of autonomous robots, and maintaining the cyber security of the space sector [1].
To summarize, the world's first space cyber range is being developed through the cooperation of Estonian companies and the ESA. This virtual environment allows organizations to simulate cyber combat training, system development, testing, and benchmarking, aiming to bolster the sector's resilience against cyber threats.
Sources:
[1] "Estonian companies join forces to develop a space cyber range" (article), ERR News, March 2021.Link: https://news.err.ee/1065271/estonian-companies-join-forces-to-develop-a-space-cyber-range
[3] "CITADEL Range Project" (website), CR14, [No Date].Link: https://c14.ee/en/citadelrange/
[2] "Strengthening NATO Resilience Against Timely, Tailored, and Rehearsed Threats (Three-Tiered Approach)" (report), NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, [No Date].Link: https://ccdcoe.org/publications/document/strengthening-nato-resilience-against-timely-tailored-and-rehearsed-threats-three-tiered-approach
- Estonian businesses, including Spaceit, CybExer, CGI, Nortal, Talgen, and the Foundation CR14, are collaborating with the European Space Agency (ESA) to create the world's first space cyber range, a platform designed to test software, conduct training, and bolster cyber defense capabilities in the space sector.
- The space cyber range is crucial as many industries heavily rely on satellites in space, making their services and competitiveness vulnerable to both traditional technical hazards and human-induced threats.
- CR14, an Estonian organization with over ten years of technical and contextual experience, is ready to invest in this initiative, believing in the immense potential of Estonia's private sector in the space sector.
- Silver Lodi, CEO and co-founder of Spaceit, emphasized the importance of securing space infrastructure's cybersecurity due to growing dependence on space technology and global political tensions.
- Madis Võõras, head of the Estonian Space Office, believes Estonia's achievements in cybersecurity make it a frontrunner in Europe for the implementation of space services, management of threats, development of autonomous robots, and maintaining the cybersecurity of the space sector.
