A new article published by Centria University of Applied Sciences highlights growing concerns over the cybersecurity of satellite communications and the risks posed by unencrypted data transmissions across geostationary satellites.
The article examines recent research titled “Don’t Look Up: There Are Sensitive Internal Links in the Clear on GEO Satellites”, which investigated the current state of communications security in GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) satellite networks.
According to the research, investigators analyzed 39 satellites and 411 transponders using relatively inexpensive consumer-grade equipment costing only a few hundred euros. The findings were alarming: nearly half of the observed satellite traffic contained unencrypted data that could potentially be intercepted across large geographic regions.
Researchers reportedly captured sensitive communications including mobile phone text messages, voice traffic, industrial control system data, electrical grid communications, and internal retail communications — all transmitted in plain text.
The article explains that GEO satellites play a critical role in global connectivity, especially in remote areas, maritime environments, and aviation where traditional terrestrial networks are unavailable or unreliable. Because GEO satellites remain fixed relative to the Earth’s rotation, they can provide continuous coverage to specific regions around the world.
Ethical considerations were also central to the study. Since intercepted data could contain highly sensitive information, researchers followed strict data protection procedures and disclosed their findings to affected organizations. The article emphasizes that cybersecurity research in satellite systems is not only a technical issue, but also an ethical and legal challenge.
The publication stresses the urgent need for stronger protection mechanisms in satellite communications, including updated encryption standards, standardized security practices, regular cybersecurity audits, monitoring systems, and continuous measurement-based analysis.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve satellite network resilience, the article also highlights the CYPRESS project, which is conducting Quality of Service (QoS) measurements for mobile network connections operating through satellite terminals. The project evaluates network latency, throughput, packet loss, and real-world service quality across different mobility scenarios during extensive road-based measurement campaigns throughout Finland.
The article concludes that as societies become increasingly dependent on satellite-based infrastructure, improving the security of cyber-physical systems is becoming essential for economic stability, national security, and the reliability of critical infrastructure.
Reference: Centria Blogi is an online platform hosted by Centria University of Applied Sciences, where the original text was first published. You can read the original Finnish article here: https://net.centria.fi/satelliittiviestinnan-tietoturva-mittausten-nakokulmasta/