CybExer Organizes Space Systems Software Security Testing Competition Together With SpaceIT

CybExer Technologies, in collaboration with SpaceIT, will take part in the upcoming Software Defined Space Conference in Tallinn and organize the Space Systems Software Security Testing Competition to help participants develop and refine their cyber skills in a controlled environment.  

The annual Software Defined Space Conference, organized by the Estonian Space Office (ESO) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, is rapidly becoming a cornerstone for space professionals across cybersecurity, software development, and policymaking fields. 

Together with SpaceIT, CybExer Technologies is responsible for defining and validating the competition’s concept, scope, and technical setup. 

This competition will be a key side event of SDSC 2024, emphasizing the critical importance of cybersecurity in space systems. It highlights the need for cybersecurity with regard to space assets and data, which is becoming an increasingly important topic worldwide. 

What Are the Primary Objectives of the Space Systems Software Security Training Competition?

By design, this competition captures the interest of potential participants and is feasible to be completed within one day. 

In order to meet its objectives, the event will be technically carried out using CybExer’s Cyber Range technology, enabling simulated environments and giving the participants the opportunity to practice in a jeopardy-style competitive environment. 

Using the elements of Capture-the-Flag competition on the cyber range for this event is a highly effective approach. 

Space-related competition directly addresses the need to emphasize the importance of cybersecurity in space assets and data. By simulating realistic scenarios involving SatOpSim (ground station and satellite communications), participants will engage with challenges pertinent to the actual space operations. 

Generally, there are multiple teams involved in the CTF exercise, with several participants in each, who compete and capture as many challenges as possible within a specific period of time. The teams have a set of objectives from the start and their mission is to collaboratively execute the strategy to achieve goals. 

Why Is Organizing This Competition Important?

Primarily, CTF competitions are competitive and engaging – they tend to capture the participant’s interest by challenging their skills and knowledge in practice. 

In order to execute this kind of cyber competition, CybExer’s cyber range includes a dedicated ISA configuration, which offers novel opportunities for conducting different types of training and assessment projects where we can execute coordinated activities to achieve specific learning objectives. 

This way, the event offers a wide flexibility in its composition: 

• Participant Structure – There is a possibility of structuring the event in an individual or team setting. 
• Types of Tasks – Practical tasks with the gamenet of virtualized networks in a cyber range. 
• Competition Flow – In the case of Fixed Flow, tasks are “locked” into a chain of challenges, and in the case of Loose Flow, participants can choose to fulfill tasks at their own preferred time. 
• Limits and Timing – No restrictions. Organizers can put participants under heightened pressure by various means, such as time limits or penalties for task failure. 
• Scoring and Elements of Competition – There will be a live scoreboard included, which will display the participant’s progress in scores. 

Capture-the-Flag competition is an excellent platform for individuals to build their confidence and understand different aspects of cybersecurity by facing challenges and overcoming them by taking a strategic approach. 

Here’s what CybExer’s Chief Operating Officer, Aare Reintam, had to say about this event: 

“Participating in the Space Systems Software Security Training Competition is a perfect place for broadening technical skills and knowledge as a space cybersecurity specialist. 

Challenges presented in the form of CTF competition will help participants gain real-world problem-solving abilities by facing the real nature of cyber threats and learning about strategies used to effectively mitigate them.” 

How to Register for the Space Systems Software Security Training Competition?

Additional information on registering at the event will be shared on our LinkedIn page in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned, and reach out to us in case you have any questions.