Bill Overview
Title: Enhancing Satellite Cybersecurity Act
Description: This bill addresses cybersecurity matters related to commercial satellite systems that are owned or controlled by foreign entities or that have physical structures in foreign countries. Specifically, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency must consolidate voluntary recommendations for the development, maintenance, and operation of commercial satellite systems. The recommendations must include measures to protect systems against cyber-related vulnerabilities posed by foreign ownership or physical infrastructure that is located in foreign countries. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report on federal actions to support the cybersecurity of commercial satellite systems. In particular, the report must address the extent to which federal agencies rely on foreign systems or systems with physical structures in foreign countries.
Sponsors: Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA]
Target Audience
Population: People relying on commercial satellite communications and data
Estimated Size: 10000000
- Globally, there are numerous commercial satellite operators, many of which may have foreign ownership or utilize foreign infrastructure, thus potentially being affected by the bill's cybersecurity recommendations.
- Any business or industry relying on satellite communications or data (e.g., telecommunications, media broadcasting, navigation, and earth observation) could experience impacts due to changes in satellite cybersecurity protocols.
- Consumers globally could be indirectly affected due to potential improvements in cybersecurity leading to more reliable satellite services.
Reasoning
- The policy targets commercial satellite operators, many of which involve complex international ownership structures. Its impact will be most keenly felt by industries directly reliant on satellite communications for operations and individuals in roles supporting those industries.
- Given the budget constraints, the immediate direct impacts on individual well-being will likely appear minimal, with broader implications evolving over a more extended period as cybersecurity measures take root and potentially affect service reliability.
- The policy may not directly affect everyday users of satellite services immediately. However, improvements in cybersecurity could lead to indirect benefits like improved service reliability, which might enhance user satisfaction and potentially improve well-being over the longer term.
- Individuals within industries heavily reliant on satellite data may experience different levels of impact based on their role and connection to international entities. The duration of these impacts will vary, with more significant changes becoming apparent in the medium to long term.
Simulated Interviews
Satellite Communication Systems Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy provides necessary focus on securing our systems, which have international ties.
- It may initially disrupt operations as compliance measures are put in place, but it's critical for long-term security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Cybersecurity Analyst (Silicon Valley, CA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act will elevate the importance of our work and secure more resources.
- While challenging to coordinate international efforts, it ensures global systems' security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Telecommunications Analyst (Denver, CO)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There's a potential for increased job complexity. This could be a good opportunity for professional growth.
- I'm optimistic that security recommendations will improve service reliability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Television Broadcasting Network Executive (Miami, FL)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We could face operational adjustments due to compliance but ultimately, it's a step towards solidifying network reliability.
- May temporarily slow broadcast capabilities but protects long-term interests.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Start-up Entrepreneur specializing in IoT (New York, NY)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy reinforces the security behind satellite-reliant tech products.
- While initially challenging, the cybersecurity framework is essential for fostering innovation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Federal Government Employee (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy enhances our oversight scope significantly, enabling proactive rather than reactive management strategies.
- It's foundational for future-proofing national satellite-related infrastructure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Tech Writer (Austin, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's exciting to see government taking initiative towards regulating such an important aspect of technology.
- More materials and topics to cover in my field will enrich the content and understanding.
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 | 8 |
Non-profit Director focusing on Digital Rights (Seattle, WA)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring security in satellite communications is crucial for privacy and national integrity.
- We must balance security with freedom, ensuring policies don't overreach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
University Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could become a landmark case study for my field.
- It may enhance academic and professional opportunities in the technology policy space.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Freelance Journalist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Regulating foreign influence in satellite systems is a critical initiative that's overdue.
- The policy will provide more material for my beats, which potentially increases readership and relevance.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- The cost estimates are influenced by the need for CISA to develop detailed cybersecurity guidelines for a diverse and globally distributed industry.
- Potential savings are largely speculative but based on reduced cyber risks and their economic impacts.
- Coordination between federal agencies and private sector stakeholders is crucial, potentially affecting cost and efficiency.
- The heavy reliance on foreign systems means potential indirect effects on international trade and cooperation.