# Random Routing Algorithm for Enhancing the Cybersecurity of LEO Satellite Networks
## 2 Cyberattacks in Satellite Networks  
Broadly, attacks on satellite communication networks can be classified into two types: (a) electronic attacks and (b) cyberattacks [39]. The electronic attacks target the electronic devices through which the system transmits and receives data. Such electronic attacks include jamming and spoofing. On the other hand, cyberattacks target the data directly and the systems using the data. A cyberattack refers to the deliberate and nefarious attempt to breach a information system for malicious purposes [40]. Cyberattacks can be used to take control of information systems and devices, intercept, eavesdrop on, and corrupt data. The antennas on satellite stations and ground stations, as well as the systems connecting ground stations to satellite networks, are all potential entry points for hackers to launch cyberattacks [41]. Attacks that target data interception attempt to store data as it is transmitted through a satellite information system or eavesdrop  
Figure 1: DDoS attacks on LEO satellite network launched from several compromised bots. the flow of data over the connected network [42]. An attacker will be able to verify the success of their security breach attempt in almost real-time, even if a satellite service provider is unaware of the attack while it is happening or even after it has occurred. During a data corruption attack, malicious software, such as malware, is introduced into the system and the data are altered to purposefully display incorrect information. As hackers may successfully conceal their identities and carry out completely irreversible attacks, these types of crimes are challenging to identify and track. Cyberattacks can potentially be used to gain access and control of an orbiting satellite system and ultimately be able to execute commands on the satellite communication systems onboard. Such types of attack will be extremely difficult to attribute and the repercussions will be irreversible if the attacker gains complete control of the systems and alters or makes changes in a way that may cause severe unrecoverable damage. The service provider might take notice of the attack but would not be in a position to take any affirmative action as it will be too late to reverse the damage. Such attacks, which include gaining complete control of satellites, can cause severe collateral damage and may lead to the disabling of the target satellite, leaving it to drift in its orbit in uncontrolled fashion or even worse the path can be slightly drifted and cause collisions with other satellites. We now briefly summarize various kinds of cyberattacks. * Denial-of-service (DoS) and DDoS attacks: The attacker will overwhelm or flood the information system in such a way that leads to a denial of service to the intended legitimate users. The attack is typically carried by a single computer or device. The DDoS attack is a type of DoS attack in which the attacker uses several distributed devices to flood the data traffic. The distributed devices are usually compromised bots [43]. * Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack: The attacker places itself in the communication link between two parties in order to intercept, eavesdrop, or corrupt the data being exchanged between the involved parties. Such an attack will enable the attacker to steal login passwords and personal information and spy on the victim [44]. * Phishing and spear-phishing attacks: Phishing attacks are based on using social engineering and technical tricks to manipulate the users. The attackers disguise as a trusted party to send emails and messages that will lead to the installation of some malicious software or the revealing of personal and sensitive information. A spear-phishing attack is a targeted attack by gathering some typical information about the target users or organization to increase the probability of success of a phishing attack. As this attack is very specific and targeted, it is difficult to identify and defend against [45].