Space ISAC's Operational Watch Center is supported by a dedicated team of 10 in-person analysts with additional virtual support enabled by a secure cloud architecture. "Protecting space systems as critical infrastructure is incredibly rewarding," said Hector Falcon, Cyber and Space Intelligence Integrator at Space ISAC. "Given that all 16 critical infrastructure sectors use these assets, we are defending not just an array of touchpoints but our livelihood. The analysts monitor data feeds and visualizations, detecting anomalies and correlating this information with other sources to produce comprehensive reports for our members."

As Lt. Gen. Whiting shared in his remarks yesterday, "The vision of Space ISAC is precisely what is needed if we're going to stay ahead of pacing threats as well as strengthen the cyber resilience of systems in space and supporting the infrastructures on the ground. Through the information sharing of Space ISAC, the space enterprise will be able to be smarter, faster and more safe." As the space economy is projected to reach a staggering $1 trillion by 2040, making it more commercial and accessible than ever before, the Watch Center is designed to address the increased susceptibility to attacks on our space-based assets. By monitoring both space and terrestrial activities, we can defend collectively against adversaries and reduce response times from months to minutes - an unprecedented achievement.

"To counter the global rise in threats to space critical infrastructure, the Space ISAC Watch Center will prove to be a vital capability in mitigating current and future risk," said Jay Santee, Vice President, Defense Systems Group, The Aerospace Corporation. "Aerospace appreciates the ability to incorporate our Space Attack Research and Tactic Analysis (SPARTA) into the Watch Center to help address the information and communication barriers that hinder the identification and sharing of space-cyber Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP)."

The Watch Center is further strengthened by our partnerships with over 30 government agencies worldwide. This collaboration allows us to share threat and vulnerability information, inform policy and promote joint efforts to secure the global space sector.

By sharing information on disruptions to space systems through the Watch Center, we are creating a unified front against potential threats. As a result, companies, their assets, and the broader space sector will benefit from enhanced security and resilience, ensuring the ongoing success and sustainability of this vital global infrastructure.

"As one of the largest cloud architecture providers in the world, Microsoft has gained an exceptional vantage point and garnered unique experience on what it takes to secure cloud workloads and containers," says Lora Randolph, Principal Program Manager. "Microsoft has a unique optic into emerging threats based on analysis of over 65 trillion threat signals daily across 200+ global consumer and commercial services. Microsoft can identify new threats and respond quickly with services that are informed by real-time global cybersecurity intelligence delivered at cloud scale."

Dr. Wen Masters, Vice President, Cyber Technologies at the MITRE corporation says their "work in cybersecurity is guided by the objective to make tools and technologies available for the public good while reducing malicious exploitations. As we work to help protect our networks and critical infrastructure across all domains, we're thrilled to support the Space ISAC in their mission of bringing cyber resilience to the space community. With the Space ISAC, our collective efforts in threat-informed and risk-informed defense, dynamic resiliency at scale, and supply chain integrity will empower decision makers in the space domain community to assess and address the risks of cyber threats."

Space ISAC's Watch Center represents a monumental step forward for the space community. As we continue to expand our partnerships and memberships, we remain committed to identifying and addressing the ever-evolving threats and vulnerabilities that impact our space systems. Together, we can ensure the protection and continued success of this invaluable resource for the benefit of all.

The Watch Center Fellowship Program aims to build a diverse talent pipeline, providing experiential training and opportunities for students, early career professionals, and transitioning military or government personnel. The 12-month pathway, which can be completed in-person or virtually, offers participants the chance to grow their knowledge, skills, and abilities in cybersecurity, threat intelligence, and both civil and commercial space sectors. This unique talent pipeline contributes to our mission by fostering the next generation of experts who will continue to protect our space systems.

"We appreciate the collaborative environment of Space ISAC," said Wren Sigrest, Battelle's Cyber Business Line Director. "It fosters the sharing of critical information, best practices, and resources to help protect our space infrastructure from cyber threats to its software and hardware through a global supply chain. The Space ISAC is vital to bring state-of-the-art microelectronics verification techniques and risk management to existing and emerging commercial and government space operators in support of our national security."

Space ISAC currently has 64 members, including those on the founding board, platinum, gold, silver, university, and small business members. These members, located across the globe, represent a diverse array of market sectors, including AI solutions, machine learning, cloud and data processing, satellite communications, remote sensing, cybersecurity, and more. Erin Miller, Executive Director, Space ISAC says, "Universities are an important part of our membership base. It is not possible to raise our global security posture without the multi-disciplinary students from our universities jumping in early in their academic career to learn about the emerging field of cybersecurity for space"

Related Links
Space ISAC
Military Space News at SpaceWar.com