Thales announces Quantum-Ready Cybersecurity measures for Galileo

Thales announces Quantum-Ready Cybersecurity measures for Galileo
by Robert Schreiber
Paris, France (SPX) Jul 25, 2023

Thales, the French multinational company, has affirmed its central role in providing cybersecurity solutions for Galileo, the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that provides geolocation services. Thales, leading a consortium which includes Italian firm Leonardo, is tasked with expanding the G2G IOV SECMON project's security monitoring scope, incorporating new assets into the G2G system. The company will also implement automated incident response, network traffic monitoring and create the capability to store large quantities of incident response data.

Thales's solution is set to be based on a scalable, flexible architecture, derived from its Cybels security supervision products, and equipped with big data capabilities. The objective is to protect the system against increasingly sophisticated threats, including the potential vulnerabilities introduced by quantum computing.

Quantum computers, with their vast computational power, pose a significant threat as they are capable of cracking currently used cryptographic algorithms, putting long-term data security at risk. In response to this challenge, Thales is applying its globally acknowledged cryptography expertise to develop cutting-edge security measures, under the auspices of the "G2G System Engineering and Technical Assistance for security and PRS" contract.

Thales is charged with designing and verifying new cybersecurity standards for the G2G system, which incorporate emerging threats to space systems, routine security maintenance, improvements to the PRS service for government users, and preparations for system certification. An essential challenge for Thales is to facilitate a smooth transition from the G1G system to the G2G system, maintaining the security and performance standards that the member states have come to rely on.

Pierre-Yves Jolivet, VP Cyber Solutions, Thales, expressed his gratitude towards ESA, EUSPA, and the European Commission for their continued trust in Thales's expertise in space systems and cybersecurity for critical systems. He emphasized that the new contracts would lead to a more robust Galileo system, safeguarded against quantum threats, and would utilize Thales's extensive big data expertise for enhanced security monitoring of the premier satellite positioning system.

In the context of rising geopolitical tensions, the cybersecurity of satellite systems has become a growing concern for operators and space agencies. With the proliferation of satellites due to the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and defense applications, Thales's expertise in scalable and flexible architecture and its robust security equipment will allow the G2G program to better detect and counteract new cyber threats. Thales's comprehensive solution is expected to contribute to improved security and resilience of satellite systems.

In a concurrent development, Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, has been commissioned to design and construct the G2G Ground Mission Segment as part of a larger European consortium. It will also oversee System Engineering Activities. Thales Alenia Space will provide six of the twelve satellites for the new constellation.

As a leading player in global cybersecurity, Thales provides a comprehensive array of cybersecurity products and services, including risk assessment, critical infrastructure protection, threat detection, and response capabilities. Its product portfolio, which generated sales of euro 1.5bn in 2022, features global security products like the CipherTrust Data Security Platform, SafeNet Trusted Access Identity and Access Management service, sovereign protection products, and the Cybels solutions suite. Thales's comprehensive offering ensures robust protection against cyberattacks, laying a secure foundation for the future of space navigation systems.