Sparta Cybersecurity for Space

SPARTA, or the Space Attack Research & Tactic Analysis, is a cybersecurity framework developed by The Aerospace Corporation. Its primary purpose is to address and counter cyber threats specifically targeted at spacecraft and space vehicles, which are critical components of various sectors and facets of daily life.

This framework is significant because, traditionally, there had been no dedicated framework to address cyber threats in the space domain. With the increasing complexity and prevalence of cyberattacks, SPARTA was created to fill this gap. It aggregates unclassified information and research from various sources, including academia, space-cyber professionals, and federally funded research and development centers, to educate the space community about potential cyber threats to spacecraft and identify corresponding countermeasures.

Key aspects of SPARTA include:

Documentation of Attack Chains: It documents potential attack chains and visually organizes cyber tactics, techniques, subtechniques, and procedures (TTPs) that could compromise spacecraft. These TTPs are cataloged based on theoretical possibility or proven capability in laboratories, on-orbit exercises, and hacking workshops.
Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs): SPARTA provides a detailed breakdown of TTPs, including tactics (the goals of threat actors), techniques (how threat actors achieve their goals), subtechniques (specific instances of behavior to achieve goals), and procedures (step-by-step plans used by threat actors).
Countermeasures: It identifies countermeasures that spacecraft can implement to stay ahead of cyber threats. These countermeasures are based on experience and industry standards and are continually updated as new TTPs emerge and defensive technology evolves.
Use Cases: SPARTA serves multiple use cases, including space system development, defensive cyber operations, threat intelligence reporting, tracking TTPs, and conducting assessments and tabletop exercises.
Publicly Available and Open Source: SPARTA is open-source, publicly available, and free to use, with continuous updates anticipated through community participation.

SPARTA represents a crucial tool in enhancing the cybersecurity of space systems, acknowledging the growing integration of cybersecurity and space operations in the modern threat landscape.