European space startups brace for increasing security risks

TLDR:

• European space startups are focusing on cybersecurity threats and hiring professionals to fortify defenses.
• Rivada Space Networks and Leaf Space are among the companies implementing security measures against potential cyber attacks.

European new space companies are preparing to counter the growing security threat in the space industry. At the CySat event in Paris, industry leaders like Cesar Carmona from Rivada Space Networks discussed the importance of bolstering cybersecurity defenses against nation-state threats and sophisticated attacks. Rivada plans to launch a LEO constellation of satellites for global communication and will conduct penetration tests to evaluate system vulnerabilities. In Europe, the lack of an equivalent to the U.S. IA-PRE framework presents challenges, but companies like Rivada see potential in targeting customers in major European countries influenced by U.S. standards. Mario Polino of Leaf Space emphasized embedding security protocols within the company to defend against automated and targeted cyber threats. Iceye also prioritized security improvements, especially after geopolitical events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Enhancing compliance and adhering to NIST standards are top priorities for these European new space companies as they strive to protect assets and operations.