Leonardo has been chosen by the European Space Agency (ESA) to design, develop, build, validate and operate the Agency's new cyber-security operations centre. This is a key infrastructure to protect against mcyber threats the European space resources and the related ground segment (operations management and control centres), but also the Earth-Earth and Earth-Space connections as well as those between the infrastructures in orbit.
In detail, the new cyber security operations center will be able to provide coverage of cyber security resilient and constant, monitoring and managing 24 hours a day and 365 days a year the vulnerabilities of space systems and enhancing the security of the European territory.
Leonardo, as prime contractor, will lead a team made up of 19 companies from Italy, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Estonia, Romania, relying on the experience gained by protecting over 5 networks and 70 users from cyber threats in 130 countries and leading large international projects such as the NATO Computer Incident Response Full Operational Capability program, aimed at ensuring the security of information and communications at about 75 NATO sites located in 29 countries around the world.
Thomas the Prophet, managing director of Leonardo's cyber security division, said: "Ensuring the cyber resilience of space assets is crucial for Europe's economy and security in a scenario characterized by an ever-increasing hybrid threat and the growing importance of satellite data in accessing essential services for the life of all citizens and for the activities of companies, states and global decision makers”.
