Cybersecurity Risks in Satellite Ground-Segment Infrastructure: Threat Profiling and Analysis

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@article{1722886,
      author = {Anthony M. Akagwu, Abdulrasheed Badamasuiy, Chinedu Chime; Ali M. Mohammed, Abbas Salamatu; Aisha Yakubu, Ejah Moses Ode; Israel Dickson},
      title = {Cybersecurity Risks in Satellite Ground-Segment Infrastructure: Threat Profiling and Analysis},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {10},
      number = {3},
      pages = {296-303},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722886.pdf},
      abstract = {Satellite systems are integral to telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, defense, and other critical infrastructures. A satellite system comprises space, ground, and communication-link segments, with the ground segment providing command, control, telemetry, and data-processing functions. This paper examines cybersecurity risks within satellite ground-segment infrastructure through structured threat profiling and risk analysis. 

Despite growing attention to satellite security, existing literature often addresses space and ground segments together, making it difficult to isolate ground-specific threats, actors, and consequences. To address this gap, this study develops a threat-profiling framework based on six dimensions: threat actors, attack vectors, targeted assets, vulnerabilities, attack objectives, and potential impact. It maps major ground-segment assets including Mission Operations Centers, ground stations, TT&C systems, and cloud platforms, and analyzes how conventional cyberattacks can propagate into mission-critical environments. Using a qualitative risk model of Risk = Likelihood × Impact, the paper prioritizes threats and classifies them into Low, Moderate, High, and Critical levels. Credential compromise, malware/ransomware, and command/data manipulation are identified as critical risks due to high likelihood and potential to disrupt satellite operations. The study concludes that protecting ground-segment infrastructure requires a layered, defense-in-depth approach aligned with NIST cybersecurity principles, encompassing identity management, network segmentation, supply-chain controls, and incident response. The findings provide a threat-oriented foundation for developing more resilient cybersecurity measures for satellite ground operations.},
      keywords = {satellite ground segment, cybersecurity, threat profiling, risk assessment, critical infrastructure, command and control, space systems},
      month = {September},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I3-1722886}
  }