Interviews

Space42 on safeguarding L-band satellites

In the Middle East’s fast-evolving space sector, where satellites are becoming software-defined and cloud-integrated, cybersecurity is essential. In a conversation with SatellitePro ME, Sumit Dhar, VP, Information Security at Space42, explains why protecting space assets is vital as the region expands its digital infrastructure.
Sumit Dhar, Vice President, Information Security at Space42.

What are the cybersecurity challenges facing L-band satellite systems, especially those used for government and defence? What measures are in place to manage cyber intrusions across your satellite systems?

L-band satellite systems used in government and defence environments face multidimensional cybersecurity threats across space, ground, and user segments. These range from signal spoofing, unauthorised access, and infrastructure compromise to emerging risks like post-quantum cryptographic vulnerabilities. As adversaries grow more sophisticated, protecting command and control, data integrity, and secure access becomes critical.

Space42 applies a Zero Trust security model across its network architecture, assuming no implicit trust at any level, whether internal or external. This principle guides everything from access control and encryption to telemetry protection and system authentication. Combined with cryptographic agility, AI-driven threat detection, and post-quantum readiness, this ensures robust protection against evolving cyber threats.

With a proven track record as a secure communications provider to government, defense, and critical infrastructure sectors, Space42 brings deep experience in delivering trusted, resilient, and globally secure satellite connectivity.

How are you leveraging partnerships to enhance cybersecurity? Are there regional protocols or working groups helping satellite operators align on space cybersecurity best practices?

Partnerships play a critical role in strengthening the cybersecurity posture of satellite systems. At Space42, we collaborate with both local and international entities, including government bodies, technology providers, and security experts, to co-develop and implement resilient, adaptive cybersecurity solutions. These partnerships facilitate threat intelligence sharing, integration of advanced encryption and authentication technologies, and alignment with evolving global and regional standards.

We also actively participate in regional working groups and international cybersecurity forums that focus on space systems. These engagements not only support the development of best practices and security frameworks but also help satellite operators align efforts to protect the shared domain of space.

In a cybersecurity environment that is increasingly dynamic and volatile, Space42 remains committed to staying informed and ahead of the curve. We invest in continuous learning, policy awareness, and technology evolution to ensure that our systems are prepared to face emerging threats with confidence and agility.

Is cybersecurity a key consideration in the design of your upcoming satellite platforms or service upgrades?

Absolutely, cybersecurity is a foundational consideration at Space42. Rather than treating security as a bolt-on feature, we embed it from the onset, starting at the architecture and design phase and continuing through deployment and operations.

This secure-by-design approach covers every layer of the satellite ecosystem: space, ground, and user segments. Our systems incorporate advanced encryption, secure key management, and post-quantum cryptographic readiness to ensure resilience against both current and emerging threats. We apply Zero Trust principles throughout our network, ensuring continuous verification of all entities, devices, and data flows, with no implicit trust at any point.

Cyber threat modelling, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments are integrated into our development lifecycle. We also ensure that our upgrade paths, including software-defined payloads, edge intelligence, or service enhancements, maintain stringent security standards. For Space42, secure innovation is non-negotiable, and every advancement we make is guided by this principle.