NCC Group and the University of Surrey have set up a "Space Cyber Security Research Partnership"

NCC Group and the University of Surrey have set up a "Space Cyber Security Research Partnership" to investigate the security issues faced by satellites.
A breathless statement from the British university and infosec firm informs us all that they "will utilise the University's world-leading expertise in technological innovation and focus on high-impact research to improve the understanding of current and future security challenges facing the industry".
On top of this they will also be sponsoring a PhD student to look closely at the security implications of using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components in satellites.
The organisations added: "Traditionally the satellite industry has, to some extent, relied upon 'security through obscurity'. However, this is no longer the case, as well-known operating systems are being deployed that could potentially be vulnerable to common security issues."
A handful of conferences in Britain's defence and security communities have touched on the largely unexplored area of satellites and infosec, but this partnership marks a step forward for the field. Surrey University's brightest brains spawned Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), now owned by the defence arm of Airbus and supplying services to the Ministry of Defence, while NCC is well known in the UK infosec industry.
Andy Davis, NCC Group's transport assurance practice director, said in a canned quote: "Cyber security research in this field is urgently required and establishing this centre of excellence will help further increase knowledge about the potential threats facing emerging space assets. With the University of Surrey's track record of bringing together business and academia, I've no doubt this partnership will be a huge success."
Intriguingly, SSTL built some of the navigational payloads on the EU's Galileo satellite, a programme that has caused much wailing and gnashing of teeth in the UK following the nation's vote to leave the political bloc in 2016. Predictably, the EU shut the UK out, which put a rather large dent in the British government's ambition of securing 10 per cent of the global space market.
Dr Chris Bridges, senior lecturer at Surrey Space Centre, chipped in: "With smallsats and nanosatellites becoming commonplace and the typical launch and regulatory barriers shifting, more commercial missions are being launched in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Understanding the risks to these important assets and how they are managed is critical for ensuring the security of future infrastructure."
El Reg imagines that the EU will be particularly interested in the partnership's output, given that the COTS navigational hardware for its flagship GPS replacement system was bolted to its birds by what it now insists on calling a "third country".

Latest Jobs
-
- CIAM Architect Azure B2C
- N/A
- N/A
-
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Azure B2C CIAM Architect for a contract starting on Jan 2024. As an Azure B2C CIAM Architect, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and deploying an new Azure B2C Solution . Responsibilities: Design and implement an Azure B2C-based CIAM solution that meets the needs of our clients organization. Maintain and support the Azure B2C-based CIAM solution. Provide training and support to our employees on the use of the CIAM solution. Background designing, implementing, and maintaining CIAM solutions. Experience with cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) solutions. Experience with OAuth, OpenID Connect,and SAML. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
-
- Senior IAM Consultant
- Germany
- Upto €110,000 depending on level of position
-
Senior IAM Consultant is needed to help lead and deploy IAM Projects for this expand IAM Consultancy The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of IAM concepts and technologies, as well as experience in deploying and managing complex IAM solutions. Responsibilities Lead the deployment of IAM solutions for our clients Work with clients to understand their IAM requirements and design solutions that meet their needs Configure and implement IAM solutions using best practices Integrate IAM solutions with other enterprise systems Provide training and support to clients on the use of IAM solutions Stay up-to-date on the latest IAM technologies and trends We are looking for an experieneced IAM Consutlatn with: Strong understanding of IAM concepts and technologies,including identity lifecycle management,access control,and authentication Experience in deploying and managing complex IAM solutions Experience with IAM products and solutions,such as SailPoint,One Identity Manager,and Azure Active Directory Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Fluent in German Candidates witll need to live and have the right to work within Germany to be considered.
-
- Security Architect - SOC Design - Outside IR35 London. SC / DV cleared
- London
- Outside IR35
-
Security Architect - With in-depth SOC Design experience needed for Outside IR35 London. SC / DV cleared. 6 month rolling Immediate Experience delivering technical Security Architecture design / assurance of security design with mobile network experience. HLD / LLD Current SC Clearance a must. Willingness to undertake DV. London 3 days a week Immediately interviewing.
-
- Cyber Security Risk Consultant. UK. Hybrid. Home | Work balance
- United Kingdom
- N/A
-
Cyber Security Consultancy - done the right way. Seeking a passionate Cyber Security Risk Consultant who enjoys helping clients make a different to their business. Warning- if you want a large, slow moving, high politics, high travel security consultancy that demands their a pound of flesh this is NOT for you. A successful individual will have experience working with clients to identify business cyber security risk. This is a remote first opportunity which means you will spend the majority of your time working remotely. You will however spend some time meeting clients as well as meeting up with the team on a monthly basis.. Some of the nice to have certifications. CRISC, ISO27001 Lead implementer, CISA, CISM, CISSP Along with dedicated training budgets, unlimited holiday and a structured career path, this opportunity will give a much needed work life balance. Unable to offer Visa sponsorship now or in the future. Apply and book a call in my diary with the below