Bloomington Leader

Indiana University is expanding its efforts in cybersecurity to address vulnerabilities in space infrastructure. With the increasing reliance on satellites for everyday activities and heightened concerns due to geopolitical events like the war in Ukraine, there is a pressing need for enhanced space cybersecurity.

Scott Shackelford, executive director of the Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research at Indiana University, emphasized the importance of establishing robust security measures. “As Americans and consumers, we would notice if ransomware attacks crippled vital satellites very quickly,” he stated. Shackelford highlighted the significance of setting equitable and multi-stakeholder governance rules that could have long-term benefits.

The university's Ostrom Workshop initiated its focus on space issues in 2020, initially addressing space debris before expanding into broader governance matters. This led to the creation of the IU Space Governance Lab, which conducts research on space governance, security, and law. The lab also offers courses and hosts an online speaker series featuring global experts.

Eytan Tepper, director of the IU Space Governance Lab, remarked on the university's proactive stance during a period of rapid growth in space activities: “We launched the IU Space Governance Lab in a time of extraordinary growth in space activities...IU seized the moment and is increasingly acknowledged as a leader in the field.”

In collaboration with Microsoft, the National Science Foundation, and U.S. Air Force, Indiana University launched a Space Cybersecurity Digital Badge Program at its Kelley School of Business in 2023. The program aims to train professionals capable of developing policies focused on space cybersecurity. Participants include students from IU and Ivy Tech as well as personnel from U.S. Space Force.

“The war in Ukraine...exposed the vulnerability of our critical space infrastructure to cyberattacks,” said Tepper. He noted that while awareness has increased among organizations about cyber threats to their assets, training programs were lacking until now.

Students completing this program can earn credits toward IU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk Management program. Plans are underway to introduce a dedicated track for space cybersecurity within this degree.

Through membership with the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC), IU provides students opportunities for hands-on experience and engagement with industry leaders.

In March, Shackelford and Tepper will join other experts in Washington D.C., embarking on a project aimed at developing a theory of space-cyber power for national defense strategies. This initiative seeks to formulate an integrated approach towards leveraging U.S.'s capabilities within this domain.

“We have to act with urgency...Cybersecurity is becoming central to a safe and sustainable final frontier,” Shackelford concluded regarding Indiana University's role within these global efforts.