POLSA cyber attack, threats to space security

Following a cyber-attack on the website of the Polish Space Agency POLSA, the agency has isolated its network from the internet, making the website inaccessible since Monday. Authorities have not said whether ransomware groups or politically motivated hackers were behind the incident, nor have they provided details of how the intrusion occurred. POLSA, a member of the European Space Agency (ESA), manages Poland’s space initiatives and its contribution to satellite technology. Poland is a frequent target of cyber attacks, with more than 400,000 incidents recorded in the first half of 2023, according to Poland’s digital minister, Krzysztof Gawkowski. Space agencies, often linked to defence and intelligence, are strategic targets as a breach could compromise sensitive data and national security. In June 2024, Poland declared its intention to bolster its cybersecurity infrastructure through a $760 million investment.