Date of Award
3-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Computer Science
Department
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
First Advisor
Wayne C. Henry, PhD
Abstract
As their relevance has increased in recent years, space systems have become nearly essential in modern life. They are integral in the operation of navigational systems, military operations, and have ushered in a new domain of scientific inquiry. Technological advances have enabled the miniaturization of components and increased the accessibility of satellites as they find new applications in the form of Cube Satellites. However, even as these advancements have brought satellites to new heights, their interconnectedness leaves them open to new cyber threats. Ransomware attacks are one of the most prominent and disruptive cyber threats to terrestrial systems, and while ground segments of space systems have faced such threats, the vulnerability of space vehicles, including CubeSats, has not been extensively explored. This research investigates the susceptibility of NASA’s core Flight System (cFS) to ransomware attacks through proof-of-concept simulations. The goal of these scenarios is to simulate cyber effects that disrupt, degrade, and deny the operational capacity of the flight software by emulating ransomware attack techniques.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-ENG-MS-24-M-014
Recommended Citation
Hansen, Petersen F., "Enhancing The Resilience of Space Systems against Ransomware Attacks" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 7680.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/7680
Comments
A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.
Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.