Cybersecurity of Satellite Communications Systems: A Comprehensive Survey of the Space, Ground, and Links Segments

Abstract

Satellite communications (Satcoms) systems have become an integral part of modern society, providing critical infrastructure for a wide range of applications. However, as the reliance on Satcoms has increased, cyberattacks on Satcoms systems have emerged as a severe concern, with the potential to cause significant disruption, economic losses, and even loss of life. We first give a tutorial-style overview of the architecture of a Satcoms system, which typically consists of a space segment, a ground segment (encompassing the terrestrial ground stations and users), and a links segment. Following the taxonomy provided by this segment structure, we provide—to the best of our knowledge—the first comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art cyberattacks (cyberthreats) on all three segments of Satcoms systems. For each Satcoms system segment, we organize the cyberattacks according to categories of Satcoms-specific cyberattacks, which we relate to the threat classifications in the general STRIDE cyberthreat model. Also, for all three segments of Satcoms systems, we comprehensively survey the general cybersecurity strategies and the specific cybersecurity mechanisms (techniques) that defend Satcoms systems against cyberattacks. We distill the critical learned lessons associated with Satcoms cybersecurity strategies, such as the need to balance security with cost-effectiveness. Finally, we outline the open challenges and future research directions in Satcoms systems cybersecurity.