US officials are warning American space companies of a potential threat from Chinese and Russian intelligence.
The New York Times reports that intelligence agencies from China and Russia are planning cyberattacks that would negatively affect the US’ satellite abilities during an emergency or conflict. An advisory was issued to American companies Friday morning.
According to the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, the FBI, and the Air Force, foreign intelligence may be targeting the companies themselves as well as their employees and contractors. The groups have warned companies to be on the lookout not only for attempts to break into computer networks but also for moles inside the company’s staff or infiltrations into their supply chain.
The Times notes that a good deal of America’s space innovation is currently being conducted by commercial companies. America’s dependence on those companies has made them a target for spy organizations.
Over the past six years, the Justice Department has charged nationals from Russia, China, and Iran in different schemes targeting private US space programs such as SpaceX and Viasat.
As part of the advisory, the US has made suggestions on how companies can mitigate potential issues, including being wary of unsolicited opportunities to work with other companies with ties to a foreign government or acquisition or investment attempts made by foreign parties.
