Israel has reportedly proposed cooperation to Korea's National Intelligence Service for space cybersecurity. As drone warfare spreads and next-generation 6G (sixth-generation mobile communication) networks are built, "space security" is emerging as a core of national security, and Korea's response is expanding into the stage of international cooperation.
According to the security industry on the 11th, the Israeli government recently conveyed to the National Intelligence Service its willingness to cooperate, saying it can share its satellite security know-how with Korea. A security industry official said, "As Israel also has issues in preparation in the field of space cybersecurity, it delivered a message that it would like to discuss cooperation with Korea."
Israel is one of the world's leading powers in cybersecurity. Centered on the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), it has strengthened the security of the Iron Dome air defense network and satellite surveillance system, and it holds many global security corporations. Korea ranks around 10th in the world in the number of satellites owned, has launched the Korea AeroSpace Administration, and is expanding the development of geostationary and low Earth orbit satellites. Along with the United States, Russia, France, China, Japan, and India, it has secured indigenous launch vehicle technology capable of placing artificial satellites of 1 ton (t) or more into orbit. If Israel's cybersecurity capabilities are combined with Korea's satellite development and operation capabilities, the synergy could be significant.
The National Intelligence Service secured leadership in space security design last year by launching the Satellite Cybersecurity Council together with the Ministry of National Defense, the Korea AeroSpace Administration, KARI, and KAIST. On the 9th, it also released the Space System Cybersecurity Guidelines. The guidelines include security measures that must be considered across the entire life cycle, from the design and development of related infrastructure such as satellites and ground stations to operation, utilization, and disposal.
At the time of the council's launch last year, the National Intelligence Service said, "As space cyber threats at home and abroad intensify, the need to secure satellites and operating facilities has grown," and noted, "We will protect national space assets in cooperation with relevant ministries and satellite development and operation agencies."
As confirmed in the Russia-Ukraine war, modern warfare has already transformed into "drone warfare." Thousands of drones move on the battlefield by receiving real-time coordinates and video, but satellite navigation and communications networks are needed behind them. If security is breached, drones are neutralized and even command-and-control systems can be paralyzed.
Space cyber threats do not remain only in the military domain. As next-generation 6G networks are designed based on low Earth orbit satellites, civilian infrastructure will also rely heavily on satellite security. However, shortages of budgets and personnel are still cited as challenges. An industry official said, "If investment in space security, which has taken root as national security infrastructure, is not made sufficiently, the effect of international cooperation could also be limited."