The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been facing over 100 cyber-attacks daily, according to a statement by ISRO Chief S Somanath. The attacks are mostly phishing attempts and malware attacks.
During the concluding session of the 16th edition of the c0c0n, a two-day international cyber conference in Kerala’s Kochi, Somanath stated that rocket technology, which employs advanced software and chip-based hardware, is more susceptible to cyber-attacks.
ISRO’s Cybersecurity Challenges
"The organization is equipped with a robust cybersecurity network to face such attacks," said Mr. Somnath. "Earlier, the way of monitoring one satellite has changed to a way of software monitoring many satellites at a time. This indicates the growth of this sector. During COVID, it was possible to launch from a remote location which shows the triumph of technology."
During the concluding session of the c0c0n, Kerala Revenue Minister P Rajeev stated that the state government is capable of providing sufficient security to the cyber arena, making it a model for cyber security governance. He stated that The Kerala state government is capable of ensuring cybersecurity and supporting the sector by establishing a Digital University in the state. Additionally, K-Fone ensures internet access in every household in Kerala.
The ISRO is responsible for India’s space program and has been instrumental in launching several satellites and missions. The organization has been targeted by hackers in the past, with reports of cyber-attacks dating back to 2017. The recent statement by the ISRO Chief highlights the increasing threat of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure.
ISRO’s Cybersecurity Measures
The ISRO has taken several measures to improve its cybersecurity posture. In 2020, the organization launched a cybersecurity policy aimed at protecting its critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The policy outlines guidelines for secure coding practices, access control, incident management, and other security-related aspects.
"We can face the challenges posed by cyber criminals using technology like artificial intelligence with the same technology. There should be research and hard work towards this end," Mr. Somnath said.