2 of the world’s most advanced telescopes shut down as a result of cyber attack

Some of the world’s leading astronomical observatories have reported cyberattacks that resulted in temporary shutdowns. The National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory, or NOIRLab for short, within the US National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation), reported that cyberattacks temporarily halted operations on the Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii and the Gemini South Telescope in Chile.

Hijackers target observatories

Apart from the Gemini North Telescope and the Gemini South Telescope, other smaller telescopes have also been affected. NOIRLab reported that they are working with cybersecurity experts to bring the telescopes online. It is not yet clear what exactly the cyber attacks are, why they were made or where they originated.

The cyberattacks on NOIRLab facilities came just days before the US National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) issued a bulletin warning American space companies and research organizations of the threat of cyberattacks and espionage. However, it is not the first time that astronomical observatories have been the target of cyber attacks. In October 2022, hackers disrupted operations on the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. Likewise, NASA has been the target of cyber attacks for years.