16: Above Earth is the New Cyber Battlefield

IntroductionA single malware attack once took down more than 6,000 wind turbines in Germany and disrupted satellite networks across Europe. What began as a cyber strike on Ukraine exposed something far bigger: how vulnerable our space infrastructure really is.In this episode of Allies in Innovation, host Mikkel Svold talks with Olga Nasibullina, co-founder of A42 and TheSign.Media, and Augusto Mattos Schaedle, Senior Director and Head of Space R&D at Terma Group. Together, they explore how cyberattacks can reach satellites, ground stations, and communication networks, and why space has become the new digital frontline. They also discuss lessons from the VSAT incident, the challenge of securing legacy systems, and the urgent need to train a new generation of specialists in space cybersecurity. Because protecting space is no longer just about rockets and satellites, but about safeguarding the systems that connect life on Earth.In this episode, you'll learn about:Why space technology is essential to modern life.How the VSAT cyberattack reshaped global thinking on satellite security.Key vulnerabilities across the satellite lifecycle.How Terma integrates cybersecurity by design into space missions.Why legacy satellites are difficult to secure.The growing need for education and training in space cybersecurity.The double-edged role of AI in developing secure space systems.Episode Content 00:00 Why space technology matters and how dependent we are on it00:56 The VSAT cyberattack that exposed space vulnerabilities02:13 Introducing guests Olga Nasibullina and Augusto Mattos Schaedle03:25 How satellite technology affects communication, navigation, and agriculture04:31 Why space security concerns everyday life, not just defense05:31 Lessons learned from the VSAT incident08:07 The full lifecycle of vulnerabilities in satellite systems09:47 How Terma builds cybersecurity into missions from the start13:29 Protecting legacy satellites through secure ground systems14:54 Why governments need more training in space cybersecurity16:51 The shortage of specialists and the need for new education programs19:07 The ethical use of AI in space security and software development ProductionThis podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus.