Jessie Hamill-Stewart

PhD Thesis: Towards effective national and international cyber security for space infrastructure

Satellite systems are innately vulnerable to cyber attacks, but have also become increasingly depended on by society. The role of space infrastructure, and in particular satellite systems, has expanded exponentially in recent decades. Satellites were first used in the 1950s for military purposes such as intelligence missions. They now sustain critical industries including energy and finance and provide vital navigation services to individuals globally. Private investment has catalysed commercialisation of satellite services, increasing the number of satellites in orbit, their uses and users. Consequently, multiple new cyber attack vectors across ground, space and user satellite infrastructure segments have emerged for attackers to exploit. Cyber attacks which disrupt satellites would affect many users globally. This research technically investigates the cyber threat against satellites, and how states are tackling it on a national and international level, through the lens of security governance.

Interests: Space security, cyber security, resilience, international cooperation