Secure SATCOM Professional (SSP)

WHO IS THIS FOR?

The Secure SATCOM Professional (SSP) certification is designed for:

• Military & Defense Personnel: Individuals responsible for secure SATCOM operations, including Air Force 1B4X1, Army 25D, Navy Cryptologic Technicians, and Space Force cyber operators.

• Aerospace & Defense Contractors: Engineers and cybersecurity specialists supporting classified and high-security satellite communications programs.

• Cybersecurity & Network Security Professionals: Individuals managing encryption protocols, secure data transmission, and satellite cyber defense strategies.

• SATCOM Engineers & RF Technicians: Professionals configuring secure SATCOM networks, implementing ECCM techniques, and maintaining interference-resistant systems.

• Government & Intelligence Community Specialists: Operators and analysts working in secure military, intelligence, and emergency response SATCOM operations.

• Students & Early-Career Professionals: Individuals in cybersecurity, telecommunications, or aerospace engineering pursuing a specialization in secure SATCOM operations.

ELIGIBILITY

The Secure SATCOM Professional (SSP) certification is designed for professionals working in secure and resilient satellite communications environments. Ideal candidates must:

• Verify they fit one of the “who is this for” categories.

• Meet U.S. Export Control requirements (Must be a U.S. Person).

• Be able to understand, read, and write in U.S. English without interpreters or translators.

• Operate a computer for email, browsing, logging in, Zoom or similar, and other basic functions.

• Own or have access to a desktop or tablet computer with internet access, a front-facing camera, and a microphone in a quiet area for completing exams.

CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

1. Secure Communication Protocols

1.1. Explain the purpose and importance of secure SATCOM links in government and enterprise environments.
1.2. Identify secure communication protocols used in SATCOM:
1.2.1. IPSec (Internet Protocol Security).
1.2.2. Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL).
1.3. Describe the implementation of encryption devices in SATCOM systems:
1.3.1. Type 1 encryption devices (e.g., KG-175 TACLANE).
1.3.2. AES-256 encryption standards.

2. Encryption Techniques

2.1. Differentiate between symmetric and asymmetric encryption in SATCOM applications.
2.2. Describe key management techniques:
2.2.1. Generation, distribution, and storage of cryptographic keys.
2.2.2. Over-the-Air Rekeying (OTAR) procedures.
2.3. Explain the role of encryption in preventing data interception and spoofing.
2.4. Identify challenges in maintaining encryption standards during mission-critical operations.

3. Anti-Jamming and ECCM Techniques

3.1. Define Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) and their importance in SATCOM resilience.
3.2. Identify common jamming techniques and their effects on SATCOM networks:
3.2.1. Uplink jamming.
3.2.2. Downlink jamming.
3.3. Describe anti-jamming strategies, including:
3.3.1. Frequency hopping.
3.3.2. Null steering.
3.3.3. Beamforming.
3.4. Explain the use of spectrum monitoring tools to detect and counteract interference.

4. High-Security SATCOM Network Configuration

4.1. Outline the process for configuring secure SATCOM networks:
4.1.1. Setting up access controls.
4.1.2. Establishing encryption and authentication protocols.
4.2. Explain the role of network segmentation in enhancing security.
4.3. Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in SATCOM hardware and software.

5. Cybersecurity in SATCOM

5.1. Identify cybersecurity threats to SATCOM networks, including:
5.1.1. Man-in-the-middle attacks.
5.1.2. Malware targeting ground stations.
5.2. Describe best practices for securing SATCOM ground infrastructure.
5.3. Explain the importance of endpoint security in SATCOM networks.
5.4. Outline incident response protocols for SATCOM-specific cybersecurity breaches.

6. Resilient Network Architecture

6.1. Design SATCOM networks for redundancy and failover.
6.2. Describe the role of diverse frequency bands (e.g., Ku, Ka, X) in enhancing resilience.
6.3. Explain the integration of SATCOM with terrestrial and cloud-based systems for secure communication.

7. Emerging Technologies in Secure SATCOM

7.1. Analyze advancements in quantum encryption and their potential application in SATCOM.
7.2. Explore the role of artificial intelligence in monitoring and mitigating cybersecurity threats.
7.3. Discuss developments in software-defined networks (SDN) for secure SATCOM configurations.

RELEVANT MILITARY JOB CODES

The Secure SATCOM Professional (SSP) certification aligns with military and defense roles specializing in cybersecurity and secure satellite communications. Relevant military job codes include:

• 1B4X1 – Air Force Cyber Warfare Operations

• 17D/17S – Air Force Cybersecurity & Information Warfare Officers

• 25D – Army Cyber Network Defender

• 255S – Army Cyber Operations Technician

• Navy Cryptologic Technicians (CTN/CTR) – Specializing in satellite security and signals intelligence

• Space Force Cybersecurity & SATCOM Operations Roles

• Defense & Aerospace Engineers in Secure Communications

This certification is essential for professionals responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and resilience of secure SATCOM networks in government, military, and enterprise environments.