[LINK] Researchers snooped on unencrypted satellite data with basic equipment, finding private calls, text messages, and even military communications

[Antony Barry]

Researchers from UC San Diego and the University of Maryland conducted a study demonstrating that it is possible to intercept a wide range of unencrypted satellite data—including private phone calls, text messages, data from in-flight Wi-Fi, utility infrastructure, and even military and law enforcement communications—using inexpensive, readily available equipment. The team used a standard satellite dish, commercially available electronics, and open-source software to receive and decode these signals from geostationary satellites.

Key findings include:

The researchers could pick up unencrypted calls and text messages from the T-Mobile network, as well as sensitive information from US and Mexican military, law enforcement, and utility providers.

They accessed this data passively, meaning they only received what was broadcast, rather than actively hacking into transmissions.

Even with their limited setup, they managed to intercept data from about 15% of satellites overhead, suggesting the problem could be much more widespread.

Some affected organizations, such as T-Mobile, implemented encryption after being notified of the issue, but others continue to transmit sensitive data without protection.

The researchers hope their work highlights the urgent need for satellite communications to adopt proper security protocols, as the risks are significant given how easily these signals can be intercepted with common equipment.pcgamer <https://www.pcgamer.com/software/security/they-just-really-didnt-think-anyone-would-look-up-researchers-snooped-on-unencrypted-satellite-data-with-basic-equipment-finding-private-calls-text-messages-and-even-military-communications/>​

The study underscores that many satellite operators previously relied on obscurity—assuming few would attempt to intercept their signals—as their primary means of security, which is no longer tenable.

https://www.pcgamer.com/software/security/they-just-really-didnt-think-anyone-would-look-up-researchers-snooped-on-unencrypted-satellite-data-with-basic-equipment-finding-private-calls-text-messages-and-even-military-communications/
Antony Barry
antonybbarry at gmail.com