The unknown reason why certain cybercriminals are attacking these particular space telescopes and affecting thousands of astronomers around the world.
Thanks to the space telescopes that we have located at strategic points on our globe, we can observe the space that surrounds us, a very expensive technology that also requires the best care so that it lasts for many years.
However, now a significant set of cyberattacks has been knocking down the remote connections of prominent space telescopes from the National Science Foundation (NSF) worldwide.
Specifically, there have been 10 affected telescopes that have been down for more than two weeks, and the few that have managed to recover are acting less efficiently than before.
Obviously, this is causing countless opportunities to be lost in the field of astronomy and space observation.
After a first information weeks ago where the attacks were discussed, we now have an update.
“NOIRLab continues its efforts to diligently investigate and resolve the August 1st cybersecurity incident that occurred on its computer systems. This incident resulted in the temporary shutdown of the Gemini North and South telescopes and some of the smaller telescopes on Cerro Tololo in Chile,” the press release read.
“Our staff are working with cybersecurity experts to get all affected telescopes and our website back online as soon as possible and we are encouraged by the progress made so far,” they added.
Right now, the research teams are collaborating to find alternatives to continue with the entire project schedule.
Since the first attacks, everything remains a mystery and the reason why cybercriminals are attacking these space telescopes is unknown.
Now they want to focus on improving cybersecurity practices to protect their facilities, and they will basically do this by managing identity and access software.
“There is no use building the strongest and most impenetrable fortress in the world if you forget to lock even a single door or window,” he says. Patrick Linwho runs a grant from cybersecurity NSF-funded Space Science Research at California Polytechnic State University. “The weakest link is usually us, humans,” she added.