Some of the world’s leading observatories have reportedly been hit by cyberattacks, leading to temporary closures.
The National Science Foundation’s National Institute of Optical and Infrared Astronomy (NOIRLab) has temporarily suspended operations of the Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii and the Gemini South Telescope in Chile due to a cybersecurity incident that occurred on August 1. reported. Another small telescope at Cerro Tololo, Chile was also affected.
“Our staff is working with cybersecurity experts to bring all affected telescopes and websites back online as soon as possible, and we are encouraged by the progress made so far,” NOIRLab wrote. there is statement It was announced on the website on August 24th.
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The exact nature and origin of cyberattacks is unknown. NOIRLab notes that as the investigation is still ongoing, organizations will be cautious about what information they share about the intrusion.
“In line with our commitment to transparency and our commitment to infrastructure security, we plan to provide more information to the community where possible,” the update adds.
The cyberattack on the NOIRLab facility came just days before the US National Counterintelligence Security Center (NCSC). Issued newsletter Advise US space companies and research institutes on cyber threats and espionage threats.
Foreign spies and hackers “recognize the importance of the commercial space industry to the U.S. economy and national security, including the growing reliance on space assets for critical infrastructure,” the bulletin said. “They see U.S. space-related innovations and assets both as potential threats and as valuable opportunities to acquire critical technology and expertise.”
This is not the first time observatories have been targeted by cyberattacks. hackers in October 2022 business interruption At the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, NASA victims of cyber attacks Many years. In 2021, our agency has a global impact. SolarWinds Breach NASA leadership called it a “big wake-up call” for cybersecurity.