ECSO calls for EU industrial policy to bolster space cybersecurity

The European Cybersecurity Organisation (ECSO) has proposed a dedicated European industrial policy for space cybersecurity, arguing that regulatory measures alone are insufficient to protect critical space infrastructure. In a report titled ‘EU Cybersecurity Industrial Policy for Space,’ the organization warns that the increasing reliance on satellites for navigation, communications, finance, and climate monitoring necessitates a more robust approach.

ECSO recommends establishing a long-term public-private partnership to coordinate investment, innovation, intelligence sharing, certification, and incident response across the European space sector. The proposal highlights specific challenges inherent to space technology, such as the long operational lifespans of satellites, limited opportunities for post-launch updates, and a growing dependence on commercial components.

The organization identified six priority areas for action: security-by-design throughout the system lifecycle, post-quantum cryptography, enhanced ground-segment defenses, continuous security testing, supply-chain assurance, and improved threat intelligence sharing. Implementing these measures is intended to bolster cyber resilience, strategic autonomy, and European leadership in the sector.