What the Project is
CYSEC provides world-leading, high-performance cybersecurity tools to ensure robustness, confidentiality, and integrity for the space internet networks & critical infrastructures. The project centers on advanced solutions such as ARCA Trusted OS—a hardened Linux-based operating system combined with a secure Kubernetes orchestrator that delivers a trusted runtime platform for containers. At its heart, CYSEC is a cybersecurity company delivering a trusted execution environment for companies in the digital age, offering 360° security in one click for container-based workloads through its CYSEC ARCA Trusted OS software. With its headquarters at the EPFL Innovation Park in Lausanne, Switzerland, CYSEC commits to data security, technological innovation, and protecting vital infrastructures.
Main Benefit
The benefits and key figures behind this holistic cybersecurity initiative include:
- ARCA Trusted OS: a robust, hardened Linux-based operating system integrated with secure Kubernetes orchestration.
- Confidential Computing: ensuring that data and code are protected during execution, with computations performed inside isolated hardware-based enclaves.
- CYSAT ’23 Conference: cybersecurity researchers from Thales demonstrated the ease with which malicious hackers could seize control of satellites, emphasizing the urgent need for secure space assets.
- ARCA SATCOM: certified by HELLAS-SAT qualification, providing high-assurance secure connectivity for critical networks.
- Strategic partnerships: including the collaboration with Saudi Net Link (SNL) and U-Space, highlighting the global reach and trusted industry alliances of CYSEC.
Cutting-Edge Secure Technologies
Confidential Computing is key to the project’s innovative approach. This technology prevents unauthorized access and modification of data & code while being executed. Computation occurs in an isolated hardware-based enclave which—quite frankly—guards data in memory during computation, ensuring full data confidentiality and integrity as well as code integrity. It sounds impressive, right? Businesses can now rest easier knowing that their data in the cloud and at the edge is secure and private, thanks to this cutting-edge technology.
Industry-Leading Partnerships
At the CYSAT ’23 conference in Paris, France, organized by CYSEC, cybersecurity researchers from Thales showcased a striking demonstration: seizing control of a European Space Agency (ESA) satellite. This demonstration vividly illustrated that as the world becomes less and less safe, space is emerging as a new field of conflict. The lessons learned from incidents like the cyberattack on KA-SAT in 2022 are clear—private assets can suffer when geopolitical conflicts arise. The Thales demonstration at CYSAT revealed just how easy it can be for malicious hackers to infiltrate and control satellites… a stark reminder of the urgent need for advanced cybersecurity measures.
Expanding Global Connectivity
Securing connectivity has always been paramount in the cybersecurity arena. ARCA SATCOM recently achieved HELLAS-SAT qualification for high-assurance secure connectivity, marking another milestone for CYSEC. This project has expanded its global reach through strategic partnerships; for instance, CYSEC and Saudi Net Link (SNL) have joined forces to launch ARCA SATCOM VPN across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, ensuring full data sovereignty on Azure is now a reality with ARCA Trusted OS running seamlessly on Azure confidential VMs with attestation. These dynamic developments underscore the commitment to providing secure, high-performance connectivity across different verticals, making it easier for enterprises to trust their digital operations.
Securing Space and Beyond
In today’s interconnected world, the security of space assets is as critical as that of terrestrial systems. The CYSEC initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to mitigating risks and countering emerging threats in cyberspace. The focus on Confidential Computing, robust operating systems, and strategic global alliances highlights a future where cybersecurity measures extend beyond traditional networks. The project not only secures space internet networks and critical infrastructures, but it also sets a benchmark for cybersecurity in both the cloud and edge environments. There is a clear vision of a secure digital ecosystem where every transaction, computation, and data exchange is guarded with state-of-the-art technology.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – by promoting cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that safeguard critical infrastructures.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – through secure digital operations that deter malicious activities and ensure stability.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by fostering international collaborations and strategic partnerships like those with SNL and U-Space.
Future Forward: Secure Digital Ecosystem
CYSEC’s achievements extend beyond routine cybersecurity measures—there is an evident drive towards shaping a secure digital future. Recent contracts, like the one won with U-Space to provide end-to-end security for smallsat constellations, further illustrate this impact. The integration of advanced operational systems such as ARCA Trusted OS with modern cloud solutions, and the implementation of Confidential Computing, create a formidable defense against cyber threats. These initiatives not only secure assets and networks but also inspire a transformation in how connectivity is perceived and protected in the aerospace industry. In an era where threats evolve at a rapid pace, the CYSEC project stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience, ensuring that digital infrastructures remain robust, confidential, and integrity-driven… paving the way for a safer interaction between technology and our increasingly connected world.
