The US-based Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC) has announced the establishment of an Australia Global Hub.
The Space ISAC Australia Global Hub will bring together members of the national space sector in a forum that facilitates cooperation, coordination and drives regular information sharing, with the broad goal of reducing threats to Australian space missions and critical infrastructure.
The group aims to collaborate on solving the challenges related to cybersecurity in space operations and the exchange of cyber threat intelligence, applying an all-threats, all-hazards approach. It will also lead outreach to the broader space, cyber and intelligence communities in Australia.
Additionally, the Australia Global Hub will add capability to the Space ISAC Watch Centre as part of a growing network of industry hubs around the world that are aiming to raise the global security posture for the space sector.
With the headquarters of the Australia Global Hub based in Adelaide, Byron Riessen, space and global lead partner, GRAVITY Challenge at Deloitte has been appointed to represent the Australia Global Hub on the Space ISAC board of directors.
He said increasing reliance on satellite and space systems across almost all sectors, was driving a global need to address cyber threats in space.
“From a national security context, there is ever increasing activity of cyber threats in space just like the ones businesses and governments are prioritising to attention every day,” said Riessen.
“Deloitte is delighted to support the establishment of the Space ISAC’s Australian Global Hub as it provides an opportunity for the Australian space ecosystem to work alongside global stakeholders in addressing these types of issues, to inform emerging new space cyber standards and to enter global supply chains,” he added.
Executive Director at Space ISAC Erin Miller said the Australia Global Hub was the beginning of efforts to designate a growing number of global hubs.
“Designating Australia as a Global Hub for the Space ISAC propels threat sharing and operational collaboration to a new moment where collective defence means aligning public and private space sectors globally to improve the overall resilience of the space industry,” she said.
Chief Executive of Defence SA and the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC), Matt Opie, said that he was pleased for South Australia to be the home base for the Space ISAC Australia Global Hub. SASIC has also been appointed as a Founding Board Member of the Australia Global Hub.
“We welcome the opportunity for South Australia to take a lead in supporting this initiative. Partnerships between industry, government and academia will be critical in addressing the pressing challenges in space and cyber,” said Opie.
“Being part of the Space ISAC is an important step that will drive global cooperation and coordination to support a safe and secure future for Australian space missions and services,” he added.
Australian companies are invited to join the Space ISAC community, with members gaining access to a network of global experts and resources dedicated to enhancing the resilience of the space industry.