Satellite Maker Maxar Space Systems Confirms Data Breach

Maxar Space Systems, a leading global innovator in satellite manufacturing and space technology, recently reported a data breach that exposed sensitive employee information. The breach was disclosed in a notification to affected individuals, a sample of which was submitted to the California authorities.

According to the notification, Maxar discovered unauthorized access to its systems, prompting an immediate investigation. The company has retained external cybersecurity experts to determine the breach's extent and implement enhanced security measures. Affected individuals, including current and former employees, were offered free identity protection and credit monitoring services.

The data compromised as a result of this incident includes the following:

• Full name
• Home address
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Business phone, location, and email address
• Gender
• Employment status, number, and job title
• Hire date, role start date, and termination date
• Supervisor and department

Maxar Space Systems, headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, is a critical player in the space industry. Known for its high-resolution Earth imagery, advanced satellite manufacturing, and geospatial intelligence services, Maxar serves commercial clients and government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA. The company played a pivotal role in space exploration projects like the Mars Rover missions and infrastructure for communications satellites.

The breach raises concerns beyond personal data. Maxar's operations involve proprietary technologies and sensitive contracts, including defense applications. The possibility of cybercriminals accessing confidential project data or intellectual property poses significant national security risks and could undermine confidence in the company's cybersecurity posture.

While the notification primarily addresses compromised personal data — names, Social Security Numbers, and other information — the full scope of the breach remains uncertain. If hackers accessed internal communications or engineering documents, the implications could be severe, potentially giving adversaries insights into defense systems or disrupting critical supply chains.

Maxar Space advised affected individuals to:

• Monitor financial accounts for suspicious activity.
• Place security freezes or fraud alerts on credit files.
• Report incidents of identity theft to authorities.
• Enroll in free identity protection services provided by Maxar.