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Student Article

Satellites in Orbit Can Now Be Hacked: Why That's Really Bad!

By: Alex Hughes
Originally Published in  Science Focus

Satellites are a gold mine for hackers because they store GPS information, military secrets, banking data, and more.

The article "Satellites in Orbit Can Now Be Hacked: Why That's Really Bad!" from BBC Science Focus explains the growing concern of satellite cybersecurity and hacking. The article discusses potential hacking methods, the consequences of such attacks, and the current lack of global regulations to prevent them.
Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
3-56-89-12
Subject:
Science
Topic:
Engineering and Technology
Keywords
satellite hackingsatellitescybersecurityspace technologyGPS datamilitary secrets
Image of a satellite orbiting in space with Earth in the background
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

1
Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 700-900L
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2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 800-1000L
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3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000-1200L
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