The Trump administration announced a new cybersecurity policy for systems used in space.
The Space Policy Directive- 5 (SPD-5) puts in place key systems for global communications, navigation, weather monitoring, and other critical services. It also establishes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) with the lead role in enhancing the nation’s cyber defenses in space.
The policy also establishes several key cybersecurity principles. Among them, space systems and their supporting infrastructure including software, should be developed and operated using risk-based, cybersecurity-informed engineering; space systems operators should develop or integrate cybersecurity plans for space systems that include capabilities to ensure operators or automated control center systems can retain or recover positive control of space vehicles, and verify the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of critical functions and the missions, services, and data they provide; space system cybersecurity requirements and regulations should leverage widely-adopted best practices and norms of behavior; space system owners and operators should collaborate to promote the development of best practices and mitigations to the extent permitted by law and regulation; and space systems security requirements should be designed to be effective while allowing space operators to manage appropriate risk tolerances and minimize undue burden to civil, commercial, and other non-government space system operators.
“From establishing CISA in 2018 to today’s directive to protect American interests on the final frontier, President Trump is empowering the Department of Homeland Security to defend the nation against ever-evolving cyber threats,” Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said. “The security of the homeland depends upon the security of our space systems, interests, and freedom of action in space. The policy unveiled today is a critical step in establishing a baseline standard for cybersecurity as America leads in space and cyberspace alike. The Department of Homeland Security looks forward to continue to work with its partner agencies to implement these principles to help protect the American people.”