The Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) recently announced Microsoft would be joining its team of cybersecurity experts.
You might be wondering what exactly does cybersecurity in space look like, but it turns out it's similar to what happens here on Earth. Computers are still computers, and someone needs to make sure all the proper security protocols are in place.
The Space ISAC focuses primarily on sharing information on various threats to space systems and the ground networks supporting them.
Frank Backes, Chair of the Space ISAC Board of Directors, is very excited to be adding Microsoft. He said:
"Space cybersecurity is relatively unknown territory because we’re approaching and doing some things for the first time. Fortunately through Space ISAC we have the opportunity to build a foundation for protection from a knowledge pool with deep security expertise.
Microsoft brings its longstanding history of proficiency in cybersecurity to its role as a founding member, including its experience detecting and stopping attacks and eliminating persistent threats which brings clear value to our membership."
Microsoft helps with space cybersecurity
Microsoft joins the Space ISAC as a founding member, along with some other heavy hitters in the cybersecurity space.
According to Space News, the other members include Aerospace Corp., Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Booz Allen Hamilton, MITRE, SES, Lockheed Martin, Parsons Corp., Purdue University, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory, and Northrop Grumman.
Microsoft will be a big help to the organization, as it has recently been expanding its role in the space sector.
In 2020, the company announced Azure Orbital, which links satellite networks with Azure cloud.
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Microsoft also invests more than $1 billion annually on cybersecurity, with over 3,500 security experts in 77 countries.
Tom Keane, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft Azure Global, discusses joining the Space ISAC:
"The space community is growing rapidly, and innovation is lowering the barriers of access for both public and private organizations. The increase in availability and connectivity of space technology increases the surface area of cybersecurity risk and the urgency for collaboration to address the threat.
Microsoft recognizes the importance of navigating these emergent cybersecurity challenges amidst rapid commercial advancements in communications infrastructure, satellite connectivity and broadband."
