New research by London-based think tank Chatham House warns that NATO forces need to step up efforts to protect their space infrastructure from cyberattacks by Russia, China and other adversaries.

Space-based systems are an increasingly important part of defense strategies, due to their role in guiding weapons, intelligence gathering, and providing forces with essential means of communication. However, the security of satellite systems is often flawed. As a result, Chatham House concludes that if “cyberthreats are not effectively addressed, vulnerabilities in the strategic infrastructure could result in severe consequences for international security.” In fact, the think tank maintains that “it would be prudent” for countries to assume that adversaries have already hacked into their space infrastructure.

For information about security in space from a businesses perspective, please check out OODA’s research report on this topic.

Read more: Report: Pentagon Should Assume US Satellites Are Already Hacked