- A recent report released by the U.S. government highlights the growing threats that foreign intelligence entities (FIEs) pose to the American space industry.
- The report outlines the various tactics used by FIEs, including cyberattacks and strategic investments, and urges companies to adopt comprehensive security measures.
New Government Report Urges U.S. Space Companies to Guard Against Foreign Espionage
In a stark warning to the burgeoning U.S. space industry, a new report released by the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) sheds light on the extensive and sophisticated threats that foreign intelligence entities (FIEs) pose to American space companies.
A Growing and Vital Industry at Risk
The report emphasizes the critical role of the space industry in the U.S. economy, projecting the global space economy to grow from $469 billion in 2021 to over $1 trillion by 2030, with the United States as the main driver of this growth. It notes that space is fundamental to various aspects of society, including emergency services, energy, financial services, telecommunications, transportation, and food and agriculture.
“Space is fundamental to every aspect of our society,” the report states, “and FIEs recognize the importance of the commercial space industry to the U.S. economy and national security.”
Sophisticated and Multi-Faceted Threats
According to the report, FIEs are employing a range of tactics to target and exploit the U.S. space industry. These tactics include cyberattacks, strategic investments (including joint ventures and acquisitions), targeting key supply chain nodes, and other techniques aimed at gaining access to vital technologies and expertise in the U.S. space industry.
The report details the potential impacts of these efforts, which include siphoning intellectual property from U.S. space firms for foreign powers’ national security programs, leapfrogging innovation that costs U.S. space firms substantial time and resources, and using state-backed resources and unfair business practices to disadvantage U.S. space firms.
A Call for Comprehensive Security Measures
In response to these threats, the report urges U.S. space companies to adopt robust and comprehensive security measures. It provides specific indicators for companies to be aware of, such as unusually high cyber activity targeting the company from unknown parties, and specific and probing questions about sensitive, internal, and proprietary information.
The report also outlines a series of recommended mitigation strategies. These include developing an “anomaly” log to track peculiar incidents, establishing an insider threat program within the organization, conducting robust due diligence on suppliers and investors, and building resilience and redundancy into operations to minimize harm from FIE targeting.
“You are not helpless in the face of FIE threats to your organization,” the report assures, encouraging companies to foster an enterprise-wide security posture and to identify the “crown jewels” that are key to their competitiveness, developing strategies to prevent or mitigate their loss.
Reporting and Seeking Assistance
The document provides information on how companies can report incidents if they believe their intellectual property has been targeted or is at risk of compromise. It directs companies to contact the Private Sector Coordinator at their local FBI Field Office or to submit a tip to the Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
As the U.S. continues to lead in space investment, research, innovation, and production, this report serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities that accompany such a prominent position on the world stage.
For additional information, the report refers readers to the National Counterintelligence and Security Center’s website and contact information.
