Cyber Enhanced Space Operations-From Frameworks to Enterprise Evolution

摘要

Rapidly evolving cyber threats to National Security Space (NSS) systems increase the risk that skilled adversaries could disrupt, degrade, or destroy mission critical capabilities via cyber means. There are many challenges to deploying effective Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) for space systems, including advanced persistent threats (APT), unknown vulnerabilities, legacy system weaknesses, limited situational awareness, defense-in-depth limitations, rigid and difficult to retrofit architectures, lack of skilled personnel, and resource constraints. In response to these significant challenges, the Air Force Space & Missiles Systems Center (SMC) is leading multiple activities to support SMC space programs with approaches, processes, technologies, tools, and training to rapidly enhance cyber resilience throughout the space program life cycle. As was presented at AIAA Space 2015~8, SMC (in cooperation with Air Force Space Command) has developed a methodology to tightly couple cyber threats analysis with space systems developmental planning activities, beginning with early space system concepts. This methodology includes: Assessment of Emerging Threats, Mission Impact Analysis, Cyber Risk Profiling, Identifying Capability Gaps, and S&T (Science & Technology) Concepts for Enhanced Cyber Defense. Building on this cyber risk management approach, SMC has initiated activities supporting SMC deployment of enhanced DCO (Defensive Cyber Operations) throughout the space enterprise. This includes targeted cyber defense research, accelerated instantiation of incremental cyber capabilities, and assessment of resulting impacts on the space enterprise. This paper provides a summary of lessons learned from these ongoing efforts, as well as addressing challenges to evolve the space enterprise with increased cyber resilience. Examples of ongoing cyber defense capabilities development are provided.