Strange noises coming from the docked Starliner. Sounds like the start of a science fiction movie.

https://arstechnica.com/?p=2046651

TIL Comms to the ISS are not encrypted?!?

Pragmatism (Security) at OP Labs.
Prev: ConsenSys & Coinbase.

Attribs: Friendly, curious, introverted, mid-witted.
Chans: /eth-security /maurelian /stoicism




If you have a ham radio and amateur license you can contact the ISS directly. Pretty wild!

encryption adds bandwidth overhead, and our missions are publicly funded, i understand assuming that they should be encrypted, but increasing operational risk and endangering astronauts (by slowing comms and decreasing thruput) just to keep publicly funded radio chatter "private" would be a pretty bad look

It's surprising, isn't it? While it may sound alarming, many communications with the ISS are in the clear because they're considered low-risk and involve routine data or scientific research. The critical and sensitive data, however, are usually transmitted through more secure means.

It's surprising, right? While ISS communications may lack encryption, they use well-protected and monitored channels. The focus is on secured protocols and physical access controls. Makes sense, though; the critical data and command channels have their own layers of security.