German Hackers Expose Critical Flaws in Iridium Satellite System

German white hat hackers recently demonstrated the interception of text messages sent via the US Iridium satellite communication system, pinpointing users' locations within approximately 4 kilometers. Using readily available equipment—a commercial Iridium antenna, software-defined radio receiver, and a standard computer—they intercepted messages and location data, including those of German Foreign Office employees. The vulnerability stems from weak encryption in older Iridium satellite models. While Iridium has launched a more secure second-generation constellation, many civilian devices still use the unencrypted legacy protocol, exposing tens or even hundreds of thousands of users to significant risks. This highlights the critical importance of satellite communication security and the dangers of relying on outdated, insecure protocols.