Trump administration rolls out policy to secure outer space technologies against cyberattacks

The Trump administration on Friday released the first comprehensive policy outlining ways to secure outer space technologies against cyberattacks.

The space policy directive released by the White House establishes five key cybersecurity principles for outer space systems. These include ensuring that space systems and supporting software are developed with strong cybersecurity protocols in mind, cybersecurity should be integrated into systems, and owners and operators should promote best practices around cybersecurity.

“Agencies are directed to work with the commercial space industry and other non-government space operators, consistent with these principles and with applicable law, to further define best practices, establish cybersecurity-informed norms, and promote improved cybersecurity behaviors throughout the Nation’s industrial base for space systems,” the White House wrote in the directive. 

The directive emphasized the importance placed on the security of outer space and near space systems. 

“Space systems enable key functions such as global communications; positioning, navigation, and timing; scientific observation; exploration; weather monitoring; and multiple vital national security applications,” the White House wrote. “Therefore, it is essential to protect space systems from cyber incidents in order to prevent disruptions to their ability to provide reliable and efficient contributions to the operations of the Nation’s critical infrastructure.”

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement that the policies were part of President Trump’s efforts to “empower the Department of Homeland Security to defend the nation against evolving cyber-threats.”

“The security of the homeland depends upon the security of our space systems, interests and freedom of action in space,” Wolf said. “The policy unveiled today is a critical step in establishing a baseline standard for cybersecurity as America leads in space and cyberspace alike.”