Understanding the Intersection of Space and Cybersecurity: A New Initiative by Indiana University
In an era where our reliance on space-based technologies is ever-increasing, the need to safeguard these systems from cyber threats has become paramount. Indiana University (IU) is stepping up to address this critical intersection of space and cybersecurity through a significant three-year grant of $575,000 from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. This initiative aims to foster collaboration among leading researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to develop a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical and technological trends that shape cyberspace and to formulate a grand strategy for space-cyber power in the 21st century.
The Importance of Space in Daily Life
Scott Shackelford, the executive director of the Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research and the Ostrom Workshop at IU, emphasizes the profound impact that space technology has on our daily lives. From weather forecasts to navigation systems, much of our modern infrastructure relies on space-based systems that were established before cybersecurity became a pressing concern. Shackelford highlights the urgency of addressing vulnerabilities in this infrastructure, particularly in the context of international relations. He advocates for collaborative efforts among allied nations to secure these critical systems and mitigate risks during potential conflicts.
Research Agenda and Collaborative Efforts
The research initiative will involve a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from academia, government, and industry. Researchers will produce a series of white papers that delve into various aspects of space-cyber power, guided by a research agenda developed by IU’s Space Governance Lab. These white papers will ultimately be compiled into a comprehensive book that lays the theoretical groundwork for understanding space-cyber power dynamics.
Workshops will be held at the IU Advancement Center in Washington, D.C., featuring many of the nation’s foremost experts in space and cybersecurity. These gatherings will not only facilitate knowledge sharing but also provide IU students, who will serve as research assistants, with invaluable opportunities to engage with leading figures in the field.
The Urgency of Cyber Resilience in Space Infrastructure
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the vulnerabilities of space-based infrastructure to cyberattacks. The Russian cyberattack that disrupted Viasat’s services in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for resilience in space systems. Eytan Tepper, a visiting professor at IU and director of the Space Governance Lab, refers to this conflict as the “first space-cyber war,” highlighting the necessity for new policies and regimes to mitigate the risks associated with future warfare in this domain.
Tepper stresses that the current geopolitical climate demands updated policies to protect space infrastructure from advanced cyber threats. He envisions the development of a grand strategy that not only addresses the accumulation and projection of space-cyber power but also navigates the complexities of multipolar geostrategic competition.
IU’s Commitment to Space Governance and Cybersecurity
The Ostrom Workshop at IU has emerged as a leader in the field of space governance, previously receiving funding from prestigious organizations such as Carnegie, Microsoft, and the National Science Foundation. This latest initiative, bolstered by the Air Force grant, represents a significant step forward in advancing research and policy development in space cybersecurity. Additionally, the workshop has recently secured a $200,000 award from Google.org and Berkeley to support a postdoctoral researcher focused on empirical cybersecurity research over the next two years.
Conclusion
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and reliant on space technologies, the intersection of space and cybersecurity will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of these systems. Indiana University’s initiative, backed by a substantial grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, aims to build a robust framework for understanding and addressing the challenges posed by this intersection. Through collaboration, research, and policy development, IU is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of space-cyber power in an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.