$800 Satellite Experiment Intercepts Unencrypted Military, Telecom Data From Orbit
University researchers have demonstrated how sensitive military, law enforcement, and telecommunications data can be intercepted from satellites using inexpensive equipment. The three-year study captured unencrypted transmissions from critical infrastructure and government agencies across North America. According to the report, approximately half of surveyed satellite links lacked basic encryption protections.
Widespread Satellite Security Vulnerabilities Exposed
Academic researchers have uncovered significant security gaps in global telecommunications infrastructure, revealing that sensitive military, law enforcement, and civilian communications are being transmitted without encryption via satellite networks. According to reports from University of California, San Diego and University of Maryland researchers, a simple $800 satellite receiver setup enabled the interception of unencrypted data from approximately half of the geostationary satellites within their study area.