Curriculum
Computer Science for Societal Challenges and Innovation, XLI series
Grant sponsor
Agenzia per la Cybersicurezza Nazionale
Supervisor
Mauro Conti
Co-supervisor
to be defined
Contact
federico.bonafini@phd.unipd.it
Project description
In an increasingly interconnected world, Satellite Communication (SATCOM) systems play a crucial role in supporting global connectivity, particularly within critical infrastructure sectors such as transportation, navigation and emergency response. While satellite networks ensure coverage in areas where terrestrial systems cannot easily reach, their broadcast nature and architectural complexity expose them to a growing range of cyber and physical threats. Recent incidents have demonstrated how adversaries can exploit these vulnerabilities for eavesdropping, spoofing, or service disruption, raising significant concerns about the security and reliability of non-terrestrial communications. Moreover, the emergence of Quantum Computing (QC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) further strengthen adversarial capabilities, potentially opening to new attack scenarios. During my PhD research, I will conduct a comprehensive examination of current SATCOM technologies, focusing on identifying and analysing known vulnerabilities and attack vectors to delineate potential novel threat models. Building upon this foundational analysis, the project will explore the integration of quantum-based security mechanisms, particularly Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), into SATCOM architectures. The research will investigate both the theoretical and practical aspects of implementing QKD protocols, such as BB84 and E91, in realistic satellite environments, addressing challenges such as atmospheric interference and long-distance signal degradation. The expected outcomes include the development of threat models, secure QKD implementations, and practical guidelines for integrating quantum-secure architectures into SATCOM. The project will contribute to advancing the theoretical and experimental understanding of quantum cryptography within satellite communication environments, protecting critical infrastructure systems against cyber-physical threats and supporting the secure deployment of next-generation non-terrestrial networks in the quantum era.