Executive order calls for cybersecurity review of civil space systems
WASHINGTON — One of the final space-related acts of the outgoing Biden administration is an executive order that directs cybersecurity reviews of ground systems and contract requirements for civil space systems.
The provisions are part of a broader executive order on cybersecurity released by the White House Jan. 16. The order covers issues ranging from improving sanctions of cyber attackers to the use of artificial intelligence and “post-quantum cryptography” to improve security.
That order includes provisions regarding cybersecurity of space systems. “Cybersecurity threats to space systems have risen dramatically, threatening global critical infrastructure and communications,” the White House stated in a fact sheet about the order. “Their disruption can bring global commerce to a halt and seriously impact national security.”
One portion of the order calls for a review of ground systems used by civilian government agencies. It calls on the National Cyber Director to review those ground systems and provide recommendations to “improve the cyber defenses and oversight” of them. That report is due to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 120 days after the order went into effect.
