Potential Disadvantages of Satellite Data Systems - Security

From INVESaTWIKI

Security

Satellite systems can be insecure as user data is beamed down to earth in a wide broadcast. Anyone within view of the satellite can potentially eavesdrop on any transmission. To address this problem, some satellite vendors have implemented encryption and other security technologies to protect the data stream from the remote location to the satellite hub. This practice ensures that anyone eavesdropping on the transmission will be unlikely to be able to reconstruct your data transmission.
Encrypting the satellite data stream is not and end-to-end solution, and any organization that comply with HIPPA or desires encrypted transmission from end-to-end must use an encrypted VPN solution. These systems ensure that the data is encrypted before being sent to the satellite and remains encrypted until it arrives at the "home office". Note that encrypted VPN technology cannot be accelerated by most VSAT providers; organizations must test the VPN solution over the satellite prior to purchase to ensure that it will function appropriately. [1],[2]

References

[1] more.net
"An Introduction to Satellite-based Data Services".

[2] Pioneer Consulting
"Abridged executive summary".