Securing Space 4.0 – One Small Step or a Giant Leap? Part 1

McAfee ATR, in collaboration with academic and space partners in Ireland, reviews how Space 4.0—characterized by low-cost LEO satellites, COTS components, and cloud-integrated services like GSaaS and SataaS—expands the cyber attack surface as satellite operations and data pipelines increasingly depend on cloud platforms. The report surveys broader cybercrime trends (CaaS, weaponized exploits like Stuxnet and WannaCry, major vulnerabilities), notes research and exposure areas relevant to space (e.g., VSAT systems, communications interception), and highlights growing interest by threat actors in aerospace and defense (e.g., Operation North Star). Emphasizing the high value and sensitivity of space-derived data, it warns of misconfigurations and identity weaknesses in cloud supply chains and advocates end-to-end security practices and frameworks (e.g., MITRE ATT&CK) to secure Space 4.0.