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Thales has been awarded over 60 million euros contracts by the ESA

Thales, a prominent European leader in cybersecurity, has been awarded significant contracts by the European Space Agency (ESA) to provide cybersecurity for the Galileo Second Generation (G2G) program. Valued at over 60 million euros, these contracts solidify Thales' pivotal role in enhancing the security and resilience of the next generation of the Galileo satellite system.

Under these contracts, Thales will oversee all aspects of cybersecurity for G2G, addressing potential threats and vulnerabilities. One of the contracts involves security monitoring of the G2G system infrastructure, ensuring its robustness against cyber threats. The second contract entails designing cybersecurity measures that consider emerging challenges such as quantum threats, thus bolstering the long-term data security of the satellite system.

Sylvain Loddo - Head of Galileo Ground Segment Management Office, Ennio Guarino - Head of Galileo and EGNOS Programme Department, Lionel SALMON – Cybersecurity of Information Systems Director and Alexandra POREZ – Thales GALILEO Programme Director. ©Thales


The Main Goal

With over two decades of collaboration, Thales and ESA have fostered the security of Europe's largest satellite program, Galileo. As part of the G2G IOV SECMON project, Thales will lead a consortium, including Italy's Leonardo Group, to expand security monitoring capabilities and introduce automated incident response mechanisms. This solution, built on Thales' expertise in cybersecurity and big data, will enhance the program's ability to detect and respond to evolving cyber threats.

The rise of quantum computers poses new risks to existing cryptographic algorithms. Thales' involvement in G2G includes devising cybersecurity solutions that counter these threats. The company's proficiency in scalable architecture and security mechanisms ensures the program's resilience and protection.

By ensuring the security of satellite systems like Galileo, Thales contributes to safeguarding crucial services and information in the face of growing geopolitical tensions. With thousands of satellites already in orbit and more expected in the coming decade, securing satellite systems becomes a paramount concern.


Why Thales?

Thales' multi-faceted approach to cybersecurity, spanning risk assessment, protection, and threat detection, is underpinned by over four decades of experience. The company employs "cybersecurity by design" principles in its products, merging cutting-edge satellite technology with robust cybersecurity solutions.


Galileo, the European Union's global navigation satellite system, offers advanced performance and service levels, setting it apart from other GNSS systems. Thales' involvement in Galileo's second generation underscores the company's commitment to advancing the safety, sustainability, and inclusivity of the modern world.

As a global technology leader investing significantly in Research & Development, including quantum technologies, Thales continues to shape a safer and more connected future. With its comprehensive range of expertise, the company plays a pivotal role in ensuring the security and efficiency of satellite systems in an increasingly interconnected world.

Author: Nessa, Cyber Journalist

Source: http://surl.li/mpmkw

Photo: Thales

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