Learn about the cyber security challenges facing the extended digital supply chains of satellite communications providers, and how a more collaborative approach to TPRM could provide the answer to addressing these risks.
Satellite communications systems are bringing internet connectivity to far-flung corners of the globe, enabling vital systems and services to operate reliably in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial infrastructure. But with more systems worldwide becoming reliant on satellite communication networks, any security breach in those networks could have devastating consequences. That means satellite service providers must find new ways to protect themselves and their supply chains against growing cyber security threats.
In recent years there has been a proliferation of satellites launched into low Earth orbit (LEO) to extend data connectivity around the world. Companies with big ambitions to connect the unconnected have embarked on large-scale programmes of LEO satellite launches to create massive new constellations. The aim is to bring high-bandwidth, reliable internet connectivity to all parts of the globe, providing continuous data transmission and reliable communications to remote areas without traditional telecommunications infrastructure.
Satellite-based communication systems are changing the world by enabling uninterrupted global communications, real-time data transmission and enhanced visibility across global industries and environments.
Some of the essential services and operations now enabled by satellite communications include:
Given the prominent role now played by LEO satellites in enabling these and many more essential systems to function reliably around the world, satellite communication systems have become especially vulnerable to exploitation by threat actors. That means securing these networks and protecting them from malicious attacks must be a top priority for satellite companies.
The big players in this modern-day space race are the major satellite operators, such as Space X, Eutelsat, Viasat and Amazon. These are the companies providing the resources and expertise to launch and maintain huge constellations of LEO satellites. But supporting these companies, and enabling complex satellite communication networks to function, are a vast web of suppliers and service providers. These include the hardware manufacturers of satellites, ground equipment and user terminals, software providers whose tools and systems control satellites, process data and support user interfaces, as well as launch-service providers, ground station operators and the cloud service providers responsible for data storage and processing.
These hundreds or more of third-party suppliers present multiple potential points of entry for threat actors. Monitoring and addressing the security status of all these third-party providers is a mammoth task, particularly given the intricate web of connections now made possible by digital supply chains. Even if a satellite operator is able to monitor all of its immediate suppliers, it is highly unlikely to have any visibility over the multiple companies that are in turn connected and work with each of those suppliers.
This gets to the heart of the challenge of third-party risk management in today’s intricate digital supply chains. The major satellite providers not only have to secure their own systems and operations, but also make every effort to minimise the cyber security risks associated with their extended supply chain interdependencies.
The consequences of a cyber security breach anywhere in the satellite communications supply chain network could be catastrophic. Any breach that impacts satellite or ground station operators could cause significant service disruptions, knocking out real-time tracking and navigation systems and cutting off communications for remote communities, infrastructure and other assets.
A data breach at a telecommunications or cloud service provider could expose sensitive or confidential information to threat actors, and potentially result in proprietary data or trade secrets being stolen. If providers of IoT devices or essential software used by satellite communications networks are compromised, it could undermine the integrity of the entire system. Compromised software could introduce malware into the digital supply chain, and potentially disrupt services and communications worldwide.
If communications systems that support mining, aviation, maritime logistics or agricultural operations are disrupted, this could result in a loss of control over remote operations or cause disruption to navigation. This would pose significant safety risks as well as causing havoc to essential services and operations.
There could be major financial impacts of any breach that disrupts transport and logistics services. The Suez Canal incident in 2021, when a ship blocked the canal for six days, demonstrated the massive global financial repercussions of any disruption to shipping. Disruption to trade and supply chains could also have geopolitical implications, potentially exacerbating tensions between states.
It’s clear that the stakes are very high when it comes to protecting the satellite communications systems the world has come to rely on. Satellite communications providers need to work hard to assess and monitor the security of all third-party suppliers critical to their services and operations. They need to conduct due diligence and risk assessments for all of those suppliers. And because each supplier is connected to its own network of partners and service providers, satellite companies need to be vigilant to the risks associated with these extended digital supply chains. The ease of digital communications means that a breach anywhere in this network could quickly impact essential frontline services.
The risk management implications might seem overwhelming. But innovative TPRM systems are now available to help satellite companies assess, monitor and continuously track the security status of all suppliers connected to their business, including beyond immediate third-parties.
The Risk Ledger platform offers a new approach to third-party risk management that enables organisations to more effectively monitor and address vulnerabilities and security weaknesses throughout their supply chains, collaboratively with their supply chain partners.
Risk Ledger works like a social network where suppliers and their clients are continuously connected, and collaborate, on the same platform. Each supplier creates a profile containing information about their business, security controls and other relevant risk areas, and provides evidence. This profile is then shared with clients and suppliers on the platform and outside. Because Risk Ledger runs a standardised assessment against all suppliers on its platform, this provides one source of truth, and means that at any given time there are multiple client eyes on the same provider, ensuring that the information and evidence provided is correct and is always kept up to date.
Crucially, however, Risk Ledger has been designed for large organisations with complex compliance requirements and large extended supply chains to bring their suppliers and partners together under one ‘federated’ roof, which means that a central body - in this case the satellite providers - can monitor and have constant insight into its key supply chain partners.
Satellite communications providers can thus use Risk Ledger to monitor the security status of all connected companies. Since many organisations on Risk Ledger are already using the platform in both capacities, as suppliers and clients in their own right, this creates a huge map of relationship connections in all directions, and allows us to provide an extended map and visualisation of their extended supply chains to organisations using our platform. Vulnerabilities within the network can thus be identified and mitigated much faster, and otherwise hidden concentration risks can be identified.
Risk Ledger also generates alerts whenever there is a security breach at any of the connected organisations. By flagging up these incidents in real time, the system gives satellite companies an early warning of potential security threats, enabling them to take rapid mitigation action to avoid a catastrophic breach more directly impacting their assets and services.
In a world that relies on the incredible communications capabilities enabled by satellite technology, there is no room for complacency in third-party risk management among the big-name satellite operators. The consequences of a cybersecurity breach disrupting satellite communication systems could be far-reaching and devastating.
Building a supportive network of connected supply chain partners – all sharing information, monitoring security and addressing vulnerabilities – can play a central role in safeguarding these vital communications systems and the industries and communities that depend on them.
Look out for future articles from Risk Ledger on how to implement effective third-party risk management to protect your organisation, its supply chain and its customers against cyber security threats.
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