FBI and Other Counterintelligence Agencies Warn of State-Sponsored Cyberspions Targeting US Space Industry
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other counterintelligence agencies have issued a warning to the US space industry about the ongoing efforts of state-sponsored cyberspions to steal research and commercial secrets. In a joint release on Friday, the FBI, the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), and the APOSI special investigation department (AFOSI) identified Beijing and Moscow as the main threats to the sector.
According to American counterintelligence officials, these threats are expected to escalate as the US space industry continues to grow. In their two-page bulletin titled “Ensuring the Safety of the US Space Industry,” the agencies highlighted the crucial role of space in various sectors, including emergency services, energy, financial services, telecommunications, transport, and agriculture.
The bulletin, available here, emphasizes that foreign adversaries employ cyber attacks and other means to access sensitive information and pass it on to their respective governments. Additionally, foreign states have been observed making investments and engaging in joint ventures or acquisitions within the targeted supply chain links.
In light of these threats, space companies have been advised to promptly report any suspected targeting to the FBI or AFOSI. They are also urged to implement internal threat programs to closely monitor individuals in sensitive positions.
These warnings come at a time when the US space industry is significantly increasing its expenditures on the development of new missiles and technologies. It is estimated that the global space economy will exceed $1 trillion by 2030, with the United States serving as the primary driver of this growth.
The recently published report states, “Foreign intelligence agencies perceive American innovations and assets in the space domain as potential threats, as well as valuable opportunities for acquiring vital technologies and expertise.” The exploitation of the American space industry poses risks to both national security and economic well-being.