Security: Use Cases & Applications
Space-Enabled Cybersecurity
Strengthening resilience across critical systems
€10T+ global cybercrime annually
Cyber risk is no longer confined to IT.
It has become a system-level economic and operational challenge.
Global cybercrime is projected to exceed €10 trillion annually, with attacks becoming more frequent, more complex and harder to contain.
The impact is particularly severe in sectors where disruption has immediate operational and strategic consequences — including defence, energy, transport and financial systems.
In these environments, cyber incidents do not only affect data —
they disrupt operations, compromise safety and erode trust.
At the same time, the rapid expansion of IoT, autonomous systems and data-driven infrastructure is significantly increasing the attack surface.
Traditional perimeter-based approaches are no longer sufficient.
Securing hybrid, interdependent systems
Critical systems are now
digital, physical and space-based
Critical systems are no longer purely digital.
They are increasingly hybrid, combining physical infrastructure, digital platforms and space-based inputs such as positioning, communications and monitoring.
This convergence introduces new vulnerabilities and significantly expands the scope of cyber risk.
Key threats include:
– GNSS spoofing and manipulation of positioning data
– Interception or disruption of communications
– Corruption of data streams feeding operational systems
Cybersecurity must therefore evolve beyond network protection towards ensuring
system-wide trust, integrity and resilience.
A new layer of resilience
Space capabilities introduce an independent layer of verification and resilience to strengthen cybersecurity strategies.
SITH: an example of space-enabled cybersecurity
SITH shows how space assets can support maritime cybersecurity by detecting anomalies in vessel behaviour, including spoofing and manipulation of positioning data.
Project Overview
- Led by Corac Engineering
- In collaboration with World from Space
- Supported by the European Space Agency —ESA BASS
Why it matters
90%+ of global trade transported by sea. Same approach directly applicable to defence, autonomous mobility, critical infrastructure and supply chain monitoring.
The solution combines
- Satellite-based AIS data
- Earth Observation inputs
- Advanced analytics and machine learning
To
- Detect inconsistencies in vessel tracking
- Identify suspicious behavioural patterns
- Provide near real-time alerting of potential incidents
Key Takeaway
SITH illustrates how European SMEs are already leveraging space assets to develop advanced cybersecurity solutions with cross-sector relevance. Source: Public information from ESA programme materials
Three structural trends are converging
At the same time, the boundary between civil and defence domains is narrowing, accelerating demand for dual-use solutions. Yet a clear gap remains between the maturity of space capabilities and their adoption within digital and cybersecurity ecosystems. Bridging this gap represents a significant strategic opportunity.
What this means for digital and innovation ecosystems
For organisations working in cybersecurity, data and digital technologies, space offers a clear pathway to strengthen and expand their capabilities.
How Orbital Bridge supports this transition
Orbital Bridge operates at the intersection of space, digital and sector-specific applications. Our focus is on turning strategic potential into clear, actionable pathways.
Cybersecurity is evolving beyond traditional boundaries. Space introduces a powerful and still underused layer of resilience.