Satellite communications have developed into an irreplaceable pillar of worldwide connectivity, offering essential voice and data services in regions inaccessible to traditional ground-based networks. From maritime and aviation markets to remote military deployment and emergency services, satellite carriers like Iridium, Thuraya, Inmarsat, Globalstar, and VSAT networks provide mission-critical applications around the world. But such systems are not immune to one of the most intriguing developments in modern communication: satellite voice and data interception.
What is satellite interception?
Satellite interception is the unauthorized intercepting, decoding, or recording of communications signals transmitted via satellites. It can encompass voice calls, SMS, internet data, GPS data, and telemetry data. It can be conducted by state actors (in the course of intelligence collection), criminal groups, or hobbyists with commercially available equipment.
Due to the outdoor nature of satellite signals and their typically large regions of geographic coverage, certain satellite systems—older or less secure systems especially—provide more opportunity for interception.
How interception happens
Satellite voice and data interceptions generally involve:
- Signal Acquisition: With the use of directional antennas and software-defined radios (SDRs), attackers can intercept downlinks or uplinks of satellites.
- Decoding: If the traffic is unencrypted or uses weak protocols, the attackers decode the traffic to gain voice conversations or sensitive data.
- Analysis and Exploitation: The data obtained can be used for espionage, blackmail, surveillance, or system vulnerability exploitation.
Certain types of satellites—such as those used in Inmarsat, Iridium, or legacy systems such as Thuraya—had previously already shown exploitable vulnerabilities if customers use insecure endpoints or are not using extra layers of encryption.
Major satellite operators
Iridium Communications
- Network Type: LEO (Low Earth Orbit)
- Services: Global voice, data, and IoT services.
- Security Notes: Iridium uses proprietary technology and, in its second-generation network (Iridium NEXT), has added encryption and security. Earlier Iridium equipment and protocols, however, lacked strong encryption and were therefore historically vulnerable to being intercepted with SDRs.
Thuraya
- Network Type: GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit)
- Services: Regional coverage (Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia), satellite phones and broadband.
- Security Notes: Thuraya has come under the limelight due to its use in combat zones and by non-state actors. Earlier models and services transmitted unencrypted data, allowing attackers with standard technical skills to intercept voice calls.
Inmarsat
- Network Type: GEO
- Services: Maritime, aviation, enterprise, and government communications.
- Security Notes: Previously, terminals such as Inmarsat’s IsatPhone Pro were known to transmit a small amount of unencrypted voice and data. Inmarsat has set most systems up to allow AES-based encryption, but some older terminals have yet to eliminate users’ exposure to interception threats.
Globalstar
- Network Type: LEO
- Services: Voice, data, and asset tracking, mainly in North America and parts of the globe.
- Security Notes: Like others, early Globalstar systems were weak in encryption, and as a result they were vulnerable to passive intercept. Some Globalstar systems have been used in experiments that have demonstrated weaknesses of satellite communications.
VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) Systems
- Network Type: GEO (Typically)
- Services: Internet, VoIP, SCADA, and private networks for enterprise and government.
- Security Notes: VSAT systems are highly secure if set up properly, but misconfigured antennas or unencrypted links present a big danger. In 2014, researchers intercepted VSAT traffic from oil platforms, military bases, and banks using freely available tools.
Real-world cases
- SkyGrabber (2009): Well-publicized incident in which insurgents used freely available software to intercept unencrypted U.S. drone video feeds.
- Inmarsat Interception: Security researchers demonstrated real-time interception of satellite phone calls and messages using very low-cost equipment under $1,000.
- Thuraya Intercepts: Open-source intelligence has shown that poor encryption in certain Thuraya services was exploited by state and non-state actors alike.
Legal and ethical considerations
Interception of satellite communications is illegal in most nations as well as international treaties such as:
- ITU Radio Regulations
- European Convention on Human Rights (Article 8 – Privacy)
- U.S. Communications Act of 1934 (as amended)
Enforcement is, however, made difficult by the global reach of satellite communications and by the difficulties of attribution of cyber-espionage operations.
Satellite interception can also be used by governments and intelligence agencies under the cover of signals intelligence (SIGINT), with a tendency to generate controversy over mass surveillance and civil liberties.
The future of satellite security
With the emergence of next-generation systems like Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper, stronger encryption and modern networking protocols are becoming commonplace. Such systems are closer to ground-based IP networks with inherent security, which may reduce risk of interception.
Legacy systems, however, remain widely deployed, particularly in developing nations, combat theaters, and industries with old hardware refresh cycles. Legacy systems represent a constant threat from adversaries with limited technical capability.
Satellite interception – offer by Detective store
The satellite interception devices included in our store offer are instrumental when rolling out your SIGINT security plan. Check out these products!
ThurayaLink-S
The ThurayaLink-S satellite interceptor is engineered to monitor and capture transmissions across both C-band and L-band frequencies utilized by the Thuraya satellite network. This system is ideal for government agencies, defense contractors, and authorized security organizations requiring advanced satellite communication interception capabilities.
People have bought in the last 48h!
- Dual-band interception
- Real-time data processing
ThurayaLink-T
The ThurayaLink-T is a cutting-edge, portable system engineered for real-time monitoring and analysis of Thuraya satellite mobile communications. Designed for rapid deployment, it empowers security professionals and intelligence agencies to intercept and scrutinize satellite-based communications with precision and efficiency.
People have bought in the last 48h!
- Comprehensive monitoring
- Rapid deployment
IridiumLink
IridiumLink is a next-generation satellite interception system, purpose-built for off-air monitoring of the Iridium satellite communication network. It empowers authorized government and security entities with full-spectrum access to real-time satellite traffic — including voice, messaging, data, and control signals.
People have bought in the last 48h!
- Comprehensive interception
- Real-time localization
VSATLink-X
VSATLink-X is a tactical-grade system for intercepting Ku-band VSAT satellite communications in real time. Built for professional intelligence use, the system allows off-air capture, analysis, and tracking of satellite data flows without any cooperation from service providers.
People have bought in the last 48h!
- Network discovery
- Real-time Ku-band interception
Find out more!
Satellite communication provides indispensable services across the globe, but it carries unique security challenges. Understanding how interception occurs—and which systems are more vulnerable—is crucial for governments, enterprises, and individuals who depend on these technologies. As the satellite landscape evolves, so too must the security practices that protect it.
If you want to stay up-to-date with SIGINT solutions, make sure to follow our blog and check out our store offer!