Hackers Disable World’s Most Advanced Telescopes
Hackers Disable World’s Most Advanced Telescopes
Hackers Disable World’s Most Advanced Telescopes.
Several world-leading observatories have reported being targeted by a cyberattack, resulting in a temporary halt to their observation operations.
The National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab), funded by the United States National Science Foundation, revealed that a cybersecurity incident on August 1st prompted the temporary shutdown of the Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii and the Gemini South Telescope in Chile. Other smaller telescopes located at Cerro Tololo in Chile were also affected.
The Gemini North facility is situated on Maunakea Island in Hawaii and is part of the international Gemini Observatory, a component of the US National Science Foundation’s NOIRLab initiative.
In a statement released on August 24th on its website, NOIRLab stated, “Our staff is working in collaboration with cybersecurity experts to expedite the restoration of all affected telescopes and our website.”
The precise nature and origin of these cyberattacks are currently unclear. NOIRLab noted that due to ongoing investigations, the organization will exercise caution in sharing information regarding the breach.
The update further stated, “We plan to provide more information to the community when we are in a position to do so, consistent with our commitment to transparency and our commitment to infrastructure security.”
Just days before NOIRLab facilities fell victim to the cyberattacks, the US National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) issued a notice, warning US space companies and research institutions about the threats of cyberattacks and espionage activities.
The notice stated, “Foreign adversaries and hackers have recognized the importance of the commercial space industry to the US economy and national security, including the increasing reliance on critical infrastructure for space-based assets.” “They view American space-related innovation and assets as potential threats and valuable opportunities for acquiring critical technology and expertise.”
This is not the first time astronomical observatories have been targeted in cyberattacks. In October 2022, hackers disrupted the operations of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, while NASA, the United States’ space agency, has been a victim of cyberattacks for several years. In 2021, the agency was affected by the global SolarWinds intrusion, which NASA leadership described as a “wake-up call” for cybersecurity.
