The European Space Agency is at the center of a major scandal involving the leak of a huge volume of confidential data. In late December last year, unknown hackers uploaded hundreds of gigabytes of information to the dark web, including software, passwords, access tokens, and internal project documentation. All this data became available to anyone willing to pay or simply take an interest. The hackers acted boldly and in a coordinated manner, leaving virtually no traces, which complicated the investigation.
The situation worsened just a week after the initial attack, when news of another leak emerged. This time, a cybercriminal group known as Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters claimed responsibility for stealing another half-terabyte of data. Among the stolen files were not only technical mission details and spacecraft documentation, but also information on the agency’s contractors, including industry giants like SpaceX, Airbus Group, and Thales Alenia Space. Despite the agency’s attempts to minimize the damage, the scale of the incident turned out to be much more serious than initially estimated.
Vulnerabilities and Consequences
During a press conference, agency representatives acknowledged that the investigation has already begun and is being conducted in close cooperation with law enforcement. However, cybersecurity experts note that such attacks are not uncommon for organizations operating in the space sector. According to them, offers to sell ESA and even NASA employee credentials regularly appear on underground forums. The causes stem not only from technical vulnerabilities, but also from basic neglect of digital hygiene rules.
Many experts point out that attackers often use infostealer-type malware. These viruses can stealthily infiltrate systems through infected ad banners or malicious links, disguising themselves as harmless content. As a result, hackers gain access not only to passwords but also to session keys, two-factor authentication data, and even stored bank cards. All this makes the attacks especially effective and destructive.
International context
The situation with the European Space Agency is just the tip of the iceberg. According to experts, NASA and other major organizations in this field face similar threats almost daily. Vulnerabilities are discovered with alarming regularity, and information about them quickly circulates among cybercriminals. In some cases, it’s a matter of trivial software bugs; in others, shortcomings involve contractors and third-party service providers.
A particular cause for concern is that even if individual leaks do not contain critically important information, taken together they may pose a serious threat. Hackers are able to combine data from different sources to gain access to strategically significant facilities or prepare new attacks. As the number of cyberthreats surges, the space industry is becoming one of the most attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Response and future outlook
Despite public statements about keeping the situation under control, the European Space Agency finds itself in a difficult position. Internal investigations are ongoing, but experts do not rule out the possibility of new leaks occurring at any moment. Concerns are raised not only by the technical aspects of security, but also by organizational processes: how thoroughly contractors are checked, how quickly discovered vulnerabilities are addressed, and whether the agency has a clear strategy for responding to such incidents.
Within the professional community, there are growing calls to rethink cybersecurity approaches. Simple measures are no longer enough: comprehensive solutions are needed, including regular staff training, systematic audits, and the implementation of advanced security technologies. Otherwise, even the most ambitious space projects could be threatened by cybercriminals.
The future at risk
As the investigation continues, the pressing question remains: can space agencies build reliable defenses in the face of ever-evolving threats? It is evident that cyberattacks have become an integral part of today’s reality, and their consequences can no longer be ignored. Every new data leak brings not only reputational damage but also poses a risk to both national and international security.
As digital borders between states blur and the race for technological leadership intensifies, cybersecurity is taking center stage. While some organizations struggle to patch vulnerabilities in their systems, others are already preparing new attacks, employing the latest tools and cutting-edge methods.
RUSSPAIN reminds that the European Space Agency (ESA) is an international organization uniting 22 European countries to carry out joint space programs. The agency is responsible for designing and launching satellites, exploring deep space, and collaborating with leading global companies and governmental bodies in the field of aerospace technology. ESA’s headquarters are in Paris, with major research centers located in Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy.
