Strengthening Cybersecurity of SATCOM Network Providers and Customers – Updated May 12, 2022

May 12, 2022

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI have updated the joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA), Strengthening Cybersecurity of SATCOM Network Providers and Customers, originally released March 17, 2022. The update consists of the U.S. government’s attribution that Russian state-sponsored cyber actors are responsible for the malicious actions. According to the advisory, “the United States assesses Russia launched cyberattacks in late February against commercial satellite communications networks to disrupt Ukrainian command and control during the Russia invasion, and those actions had spillover impacts into other European countries.” All critical infrastructure entities that are either SATCOM customers or network providers are strongly encouraged to review and implement the mitigations outlined in the advisory. Additionally, it is also recommended that members review the CISA Shields Up, Shields Up Technical Guidance, and Russia webpages to stay current on the preventive measures that can help guard against Russian cyber threats and tactics. Access the updated advisory at CISA. 

March 22, 2022

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI published a joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) warning providers and customers of satellite communications (SATCOM) networks to strengthen their cybersecurity. The advisory notes CISA and the FBI are aware of possible threats to U.S. and international SATCOM networks. Additionally, “given the current geopolitical situation, CISA’s Shields Up initiative requests that all organizations significantly lower their threshold for reporting and sharing indications of malicious cyber activity.” All critical infrastructure entities that are either SATCOM customers or network providers are strongly encouraged to review and implement the mitigations outlined in the advisory. Read the full advisory at CISA.