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Cybersecurity Risks in Satellite Ground-Segment Infrastructure: Threat Profiling and Analysis
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Cyber Security
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
How to cite this paper
@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},
}