Space cybersecurity leaders convene in Singapore to address escalating threats at inaugural CYSAT Asia

CYSAT Asia has concluded its inaugural regional edition in Singapore, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and researchers to confront rising cybersecurity risks affecting space infrastructure. The event followed earlier editions held in Europe and the United States, marking the first time the CYSAT platform was staged in Asia.

Co-organised by SGInnovate and European cybersecurity firm CYSEC, the one-day event drew around 400 participants from 25 countries across Europe and Asia. Attendees represented a broad cross-section of the space technology and cybersecurity ecosystem, reflecting growing concern over the vulnerability of satellites and space-enabled services that underpin modern economies.

Discussions centred on the increasing exposure of space systems to cyber threats, the implications of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, and the need for stronger collaboration across borders and sectors. Speakers repeatedly stressed that as reliance on space-based infrastructure expands, so too does the potential impact of disruption or compromise.

Growing risks to space infrastructure and critical services

Participants highlighted that cyberattacks on space systems are no longer theoretical. Incidents such as Global Navigation Satellite System spoofing have already disrupted thousands of commercial flights each year, while many legacy satellites were built without consideration for today’s threat landscape. As a result, vulnerabilities persist across satellites, ground stations, user terminals, and the data links that connect them.

Speakers emphasised that resilience must be addressed across the full lifecycle of space systems, rather than through isolated fixes. This includes secure design at the satellite level, robust protection of ground infrastructure, and safeguards for the downstream data that supports navigation, communications, and Earth observation services.

Beyond defence and commercial applications, panellists noted that cybersecurity has become foundational to civil space services. Trust in data integrity and governance underpins the use of space-based information for disaster response, climate monitoring, and national planning. Without confidence in the security of these systems, their societal value is undermined.

In a keynote address, Singapore’s Commissioner of Cybersecurity and Chief Executive of the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, David Koh, pointed to rapid technological advances accelerating the growth of the space industry. He stressed that cybersecurity must be embedded into the design of new technologies from the outset to avoid disruptions with cross-border consequences. Jonathan Hung, Executive Director of the Office for Space Technology and Industry, Singapore’s national space office, added that cyber resilience in space depends on close coordination between government, industry, and the wider ecosystem. He noted that strong partnerships are essential to maintaining trust in space-enabled services.

Collaboration, investment, and ecosystem development

A recurring theme at CYSAT Asia was the need for stronger collaboration to close gaps between awareness and action. While space and cybersecurity are both established sectors, speakers observed that their intersection remains under-invested and often falls between traditional commercial and sovereign funding models.

Hsien-Hui Tong, Executive Director of Investments at SGInnovate, said progress will require coordinated action across multiple fronts. Governments can play a role as early anchor customers, while investors are needed to support deployment-ready solutions. At the same time, ecosystems must enable companies to test, integrate, and scale technologies across borders.

The event featured speakers from organisations including Airbus, the European Commission, Fraunhofer, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, IonQ, IQT, and Thales, alongside Singapore-based deep tech startups such as SpeQtral and MicroSec. Representatives from Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority, the CyberSG R&D Programme Office, and the CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth Collaboration Centre were also present, reflecting strong public sector engagement.

Dr Lim Jui, Chief Executive Officer of SGInnovate, said the event extended the organisation’s mission into what he described as a consequential intersection of technology. He added that insights and connections formed at the event are expected to catalyse innovation and contribute to more secure space infrastructure across the region.

Talent pipelines and skills for a contested space domain

Building a sustainable talent pipeline emerged as another priority area. Experts compared the development of space cybersecurity skills to an iceberg, where formal certifications represent only the visible portion. Beneath the surface, critical thinking, adaptability, and multidisciplinary knowledge were identified as decisive factors for success.

Panellists called for professionals with so-called “Swiss Army Knife” skillsets that bridge information technology and operational technology. They argued that hands-on, industry-vetted training is essential to prepare talent for high-stakes environments where failures can have wide-reaching consequences.

Patrick Trinkler, Chief Executive Officer of CYSEC, warned that modern space systems underpin critical national infrastructure but remain highly exposed if collective action is not taken. He said securing these assets requires diverse expertise, ranging from cryptography to mission operations, working beyond traditional silos to address converging commercial, sovereign, and military interests expected by 2030.

To support skills development, CYSAT Asia hosted technical keynotes and hands-on workshops under the CYSAT Academy programme. These sessions focused on space technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. Workshops included a session by HelvetiSpace examining cyber threats across the satellite lifecycle, and another by Thales that explored methods used to infiltrate satellite infrastructure to better understand attack surfaces and impacts.

Looking ahead, SGInnovate and CYSEC said they will continue engaging regional and international stakeholders in the lead-up to CYSAT Asia 2027. The aim is to strengthen collaboration, translate awareness into concrete action, and build long-term resilience for space cybersecurity as orbital environments become more congested and contested.