U.S. counterintelligence agencies warned the American space industry on Friday to be cautious of foreign intelligence efforts to steal research and gain secrets in an attempt to bolster their national space programs. An American counterintelligence official told Reuters, "We expect an increase in risks to this rapidly growing sector of the U.S. economy," adding that "China and Russia are among the primary intelligence threats to the American space industry."
The FBI, National Counterintelligence and Security Center, and Air Force Office of Special Investigations issued a two-page statement indicating that unspecified foreign entities are launching cyberattacks and employing techniques such as strategic investment through joint ventures and acquisitions, allowing them to penetrate the American space industry.
This comes as part of Washington's latest efforts to raise awareness about an issue that has long angered counterintelligence officials and has gained higher priority, as the American space industry spends billions of dollars developing new rockets and other technologies.
The statement also warned companies to be vigilant regarding requests to visit facilities and attempts to gather confidential information during conferences. It noted that employees are at risk of being recruited overseas or working in consultancy roles for financial compensation in exchange for exclusive information.
The statement urged companies to contact the FBI or Air Force Office of Special Investigations if they have concerns about being targeted, to track "unusual incidents," and to develop programs to detect "insider threats" as part of vetting individuals in sensitive positions.
