Satellites found exposing unencrypted data, including phone calls and some military comms

A team of security researchers has unveiled a startling revelation: nearly 50% of geostationary satellites orbiting Earth are transmitting unencrypted sensitive information, which includes both consumer and military communications. This alarming finding raises significant concerns about data privacy and security. The researchers from UC San Diego and the University of Maryland invested $800 in a commercial satellite receiver, using it to observe satellite transmissions over the course of three years. Their efforts unveiled a substantial flow of unencrypted data, revealing private voice calls, text messages, and consumer internet traffic from in-flight Wi-Fi services. In addition to personal communications, the unguarded data also encompasses critical infrastructure interactions, such as those between energy and water suppliers and offshore oil and gas platforms. Wired, the publication that first reported these findings, highlights the implications of such vulnerabilities. In response to the threat, the researchers have been proactive, notifying affected companies including T-Mobile and AT&T in Mexico, which have since implemented encryption measures to safeguard their data. However, the researchers caution that not all entities have taken the necessary steps to protect their information. Some critical infrastructure providers remain vulnerable, leaving a considerable volume of satellite data at risk for years to come.