Cosmic Threats - An Introduction to Cybersecurity in Space

Explore the emerging cybersecurity challenges facing space infrastructure in this 44-minute conference talk from BSides Edmonton 2025. Learn about the rapidly expanding space economy as thousands of satellites launch annually and discover how space-based systems have become critical to telecommunications, emergency services, and national defense. Examine real-world cyber incidents targeting satellites, ground stations, and communication links while understanding the unique attack surfaces that exist in space environments. Gain insights into the specific vulnerabilities of orbital infrastructure and the importance of securing space assets before the threat landscape becomes unmanageable. Understand how traditional cybersecurity principles apply to space systems and what new considerations must be made for protecting assets operating in the harsh environment of space.