Bill Overview
Title: Satellite Cybersecurity Act
Description: This bill addresses cybersecurity matters related to commercial satellite systems. Specifically, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) must maintain a publicly available clearinghouse of resources concerning the cybersecurity of commercial satellite systems. CISA must also consolidate voluntary recommendations for the development, maintenance, and operation of such systems. The recommendations must include measures to protect systems against cyber-related vulnerabilities, risks, and attacks. To the extent practicable, CISA must implement its activities as a public-private partnership. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study and report on (1) federal actions to support the cybersecurity of commercial satellite systems, including with respect to critical infrastructure sectors; and (2) federal reliance on such systems, including those owned or controlled by foreign entities. In carrying out its study and report, the GAO must coordinate with designated federal agencies.
Sponsors: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in or reliant on commercial satellite systems
Estimated Size: 250000
- The bill specifically addresses commercial satellite systems, which are a component of the space sector.
- The primary population affected will be those involved in the satellite industry, including companies that develop, maintain, and operate commercial satellites.
- The legislation mentions the need for a public-private partnership, indicating that businesses, industry professionals, and governmental entities will be engaged.
- Cybersecurity professionals particularly focused on satellite and space infrastructure will be impacted due to the new recommendations and requirements.
- The public, while not directly targeted, could be affected indirectly as the integrity of satellite systems is crucial in many services (e.g., communication, navigation) used globally.
Reasoning
- The Satellite Cybersecurity Act mainly targets the commercial satellite industry and related cybersecurity infrastructure.
- The direct impact will be on industry professionals including satellite manufacturers, operators, and cybersecurity experts.
- Certain indirect effects could impact users dependent on satellite services such as communication and navigation.
- There will also be a ripple effect on policy makers and industries relying on commercial satellite data.
- Given the policy's aim and budget constraints, not all in the population can receive direct benefits or impacts, some will see improvements in safety and reliability indirectly.
Simulated Interviews
Cybersecurity Analyst (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy is critical as it will bolster trust in satellite systems.
- I'm eager to see how the public-private partnerships develop.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Satellite Engineer (New York, NY)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am optimistic about having more structured guidelines for cybersecurity.
- This policy might enhance my work quality through better resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Software Developer (Houson, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I foresee potential improvements to my work processes.
- The focus on cybersecurity is long overdue.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Policy Maker (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this sustain our technological edge.
- I'm concerned about how swiftly these measures will be executed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Telecommunications Manager (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased trust in satellite data would benefit the whole network.
- It's important that practical and clear guidelines emerge from this.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Satellite Operations Specialist (Denver, CO)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It could significantly enhance our operational protocols.
- Partnerships with private companies will be essential.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Network Security Consultant (Miami, FL)
Age: 47 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative might drive demand for my expertise.
- I hope to see proactive measures become standard.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Data Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced cybersecurity is reassuring for data integrity.
- Will be closely watching the policy's execution.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Telecom Executive (Seattle, WA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Strategic for staying ahead in communication technology.
- Funding and compliance challenges would need addressing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
University Professor (Boston, MA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy opens new avenues for academic collaboration and research.
- I'm hopeful for more educational resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $8000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $10000000)
Year 3: $8000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $10000000)
Year 5: $8000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $10000000)
Year 10: $8000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $10000000)
Year 100: $8000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $10000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill leverages existing agencies like CISA and GAO, which may limit additional bureaucratic expansion but still necessitates efficient inter-agency coordination.
- Public-private partnerships may face challenges in aligning governmental and private sector priorities and objectives.
- Proactive cybersecurity measures can yield long-term savings and economic stability, especially in the increasingly satellite-reliant economy.