Two Members of AKI SR Are Taking Slovak Research into Space: The COSMOS-SECURE Project Will Bring Post-Quantum Secure Voice Communication for Space Missions

13. mája 2026

The Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic is proud to present the success of two of its members, Decent Cybersecurity s. r. o. and FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services s. r. o., which have jointly secured funding for the four-year research and development project COSMOS-SECURE. The project, with total eligible expenditures of EUR 4,144,273.37 and a requested non-repayable financial contribution of EUR 2,981,048.65, focuses on an area that, until recently, belonged mainly to major space agencies: secure voice communication between ground stations, satellites, and spacecraft crews in an era when quantum computers are beginning to challenge the existing foundations of cryptography.

Slovakia Is Joining the Countries Preparing for the Post-Quantum Era of Space Communication

The COSMOS-SECURE project, whose full title is Secure Communication in Space Research, will be implemented in Piešťany from January 2026 to December 2029. It is co-financed by the European Union under the Slovakia Programme from the European Regional Development Fund and is registered under the ŽoNFP code NFP7401101C907. For Slovakia, this represents a significant step forward. A country that has so far entered the space sector mainly through subcontracting chains is now becoming a place where the cryptographic and communication architecture of next-generation missions is being systematically prepared.

The purpose of the project is to research post-quantum cryptographic protection and efficient communication interfaces for voice communication in the space environment. This means two things at once. First, it concerns the protection of communication between ground personnel and astronauts on a space station or in a spacecraft. Second, it concerns the protection of communication between ground stations connected through a satellite network. Both situations share the same risk: voice communication is a key component of every space mission. It enables crew coordination, the transmission of commands, and operational decision-making in an environment that does not forgive failure.

Why Post-Quantum Cryptography, and Why Now

Current cryptographic methods that protect voice and data communication around the world rely on mathematical problems whose solution is computationally infeasible for classical computers. However, the development of quantum computing is changing this assumption. Many algorithms used today may become vulnerable sooner than the public realizes the full impact of this shift. Space communication is an environment where long-term confidentiality is measured in decades. Data and voice recordings intercepted today may be decrypted tomorrow if the infrastructure does not transition to post-quantum foundations.

That is why COSMOS-SECURE is researching post-quantum approaches designed to ensure that space communication remains confidential, intact, and resilient in the decades ahead. At the same time, the project also addresses the challenges inherent to the space environment itself: signal delay, electromagnetic interference, reliability requirements, and the very limited margin for failure. The consortium’s goal is to validate selected approaches in laboratory and simulated space communication conditions and to prepare knowledge, documentation, and methodologies for further development and certification.

Decent Cybersecurity as Coordinator: The Cryptographic and Cybersecurity Core of the Project

Decent Cybersecurity s. r. o. acts as the applicant and coordinator of the project. For the Slovak cybersecurity sector, this is further confirmation of the position the company has been gradually building in the field of advanced digital infrastructure, post-quantum cryptography, and research for critical environments. Within COSMOS-SECURE, the company leads activity Z0HM01, focused on the research of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms optimized specifically for voice communication systems in space. The work includes the analysis of NIST-approved post-quantum algorithms, the assessment of their latency and computational complexity, optimization for space communication conditions, implementation and testing of prototypes, and research into secure key distribution resistant to quantum attacks.

The expected output is a post-quantum cryptographic module for voice communication in space, a research report on the optimization of post-quantum algorithms for space applications, and a methodology for the certification of post-quantum cryptographic solutions.

The output level is set at TRL 4, which represents component validation in a laboratory environment — a phase after which pilot deployments in real operational scenarios may follow. For AKI SR, of which Decent Cybersecurity is a member, this represents a direct connection between topics the association has long been raising, especially post-quantum cryptography and the protection of strategic communication systems, and real research supported by European funding.

FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services as Partner: Connecting Space with Critical Infrastructure Know-How

The second member of the consortium is FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services s. r. o., part of the international Frequentis Group, which is among the globally recognized suppliers of communication and information systems for control centers with safety-critical tasks. The group has long supplied air traffic control, public safety, public transport, and maritime environments around the world, and its Slovak branch brings to the COSMOS-SECURE project practical know-how that is difficult to replace in the research and development phase.

Within the project, FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services is responsible for activity P1HM02, namely the research of optimal and efficient communication interfaces for voice communication in the space environment and their protection against cyber threats. The work covers the analysis of currently used communication technologies, radio-frequency, optical, and laser communication scenarios, satellite, transmission, and interplanetary communication scenarios, hybrid RF and optical communication models, adaptive communication protocols, and the cyber protection of communication interfaces. Testing is carried out in simulated space communication environments reflecting real conditions. The expected outputs include reference designs for optimal communication interfaces and a prototype of a secure communication solution for space applications, again at TRL 4 level.

Complementary Expertise as a Model for Slovak Industry

What makes COSMOS-SECURE interesting even beyond the narrow space context is the very structure of the consortium. Decent Cybersecurity brings the cryptographic and cybersecurity side, while FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services covers the physical and system layer of critical voice communication. Neither of these layers is sufficient on its own. A post-quantum algorithm without compatibility with a real communication interface remains an academic exercise. Critical voice communication without modern cryptographic protection remains vulnerable to an adversary preparing for the quantum era. By combining both areas, the consortium demonstrates how Slovak industry can cover the entire chain from basic research to a validated prototype without strategic know-how leaving the country.

Why This Project Matters for AKI SR and Its Members

The Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic has long pointed out that the protection of critical infrastructure is no longer merely a matter of fences, cameras, and physical security. Additional layers are emerging — invisible, yet often the most vulnerable: cryptography, communication protocols, satellite links, time signals, and post-quantum readiness. The COSMOS-SECURE project operates precisely within this layer. Although it is formally focused on space communication, its outputs — post-quantum cryptographic modules, certification methodology, and reference designs for secure communication interfaces — are directly transferable to terrestrial critical infrastructure. This includes air traffic control, public safety systems, energy dispatch centers, and defence operations centers.

The fact that two members of AKI SR, Decent Cybersecurity and FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services, were able to prepare a project of this scale, secure European funding under the Slovakia Programme, and build a consortium with complementary expertise is a signal that deserves attention beyond the narrow expert community. Slovakia has the capacity to carry out research and development at a level that brings European resilience within reach — and this work is being done by companies that are also active members of the association representing the interests of critical infrastructure in the Slovak Republic.

The association will closely monitor the achievements of the COSMOS-SECURE project over the next four years. We will provide AKI SR members and the wider public with regular updates on research outputs, validations, and how the project’s findings will translate into security standards for terrestrial critical infrastructure. We congratulate Decent Cybersecurity and FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services on securing the project and look forward to its successful implementation.

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Dvaja členovia AKI SR posúvajú slovenský výskum do vesmíru: projekt COSMOS-SECURE prinesie postkvantovú bezpečnú hlasovú komunikáciu pre vesmírne misie

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Asociácia kritickej infraštruktúry Slovenskej republiky s hrdosťou predstavuje úspech dvoch svojich členov, spoločností Decent Cybersecurity s. r. o. a FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services s. r. o., ktoré spoločne získali financovanie pre štvorročný výskumno-vývojový projekt COSMOS-SECURE. Projekt s celkovými oprávnenými výdavkami vo výške 4 144 273,37 € a požadovanou výškou nenávratného finančného príspevku 2 981 048,65 € sa zameriava na to, čo bolo donedávna doménou veľkých vesmírnych agentúr: bezpečnú hlasovú komunikáciu medzi pozemnými strediskami, satelitmi a posádkami vesmírnych lodí v ére, keď kvantové počítače začínajú spochybňovať existujúce kryptografické základy.

July 2026 will decide: Slovakia identifies the list of critical entities

12. mája 2026

The Slovak Republic is in the final phase of a process that is fundamentally changing the approach to the protection of critical infrastructure. In accordance with Act No. 367/2024 Coll. on Critical Infrastructure, the list of entities that will be officially identified as critical for the functioning of the state is to be completed in July 2026. This step represents one of the most important milestones in the implementation of the new regulatory framework, the aim of which is to increase the resilience of key systems to crises, cyber threats and service outages. A new framework of responsibility Inclusion among the critical entities will not be of a merely formal nature. For the organisations concerned, it will mean the introduction of precisely defined obligations in the area of risk management, security measures, incident management and the very continuity of the provision of essential services within the meaning of the Act. For many entities, this represents a fundamental change in the approach to security, which will require systematic preparation even before the actual inclusion in the list. Growing interest of companies in the regulation Already in this period it is evident that potentially affected entities are beginning to intensively follow the development of the legislation and of the implementing rules being prepared. The reason is the need to set up internal processes in good time, so that the transition to the new regime can take place without major operational complications. The growing demanding nature of the requirements is at the same time increasing the demand for expert guidance and methodological support. The role of the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic In this context, the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic (AKI SR) plays a significant role, as it has long been creating a professional platform for cooperation between the state sector, regulators and operators of essential services across all sectors of critical infrastructure, such as for example energy, transport, healthcare or digital infrastructure. As Tibor Straka, President of AKI SR, states: “The process of identifying critical entities is not merely a legislative obligation. It is the moment that determines how resilient the state will be in real crisis situations.” The Association points out in this connection that the period before the final inclusion in the list is the most important one for organisations from the point of view of preparation and adaptation. Room for timely preparation Companies that may be part of the list of critical entities currently have a unique opportunity to prepare for the new obligations systematically and well in advance. In this area, AKI SR provides expert support, methodological guidance and a platform for the sharing of experience between the individual sectors. Cooperation as the foundation of resilience The implementation of the new system for the protection of critical infrastructure will be successful only if it is built on close cooperation between the public and the private sector. In this respect, AKI SR is developing a systematic dialogue with the central bodies of state administration that exercise state administration in the individual segments of critical infrastructure. With many of them, the Association has concluded memoranda of cooperation, which makes possible a more effective interconnection of expert capacities, the exchange of information and coordination in addressing key security topics. In the process, AKI SR thus acts as a natural communication and expert bridge between the regulator and the entities of critical infrastructure, while helping to connect legislative requirements with their practical implementation in the individual sectors. A new stage in the protection of critical systems The finalisation of the list of critical entities in July 2026 represents a fundamental step in the modernisation of the system for strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure in Slovakia. The new legislative framework sets clearer rules, but at the same time significantly raises the demands placed on the preparedness of the organisations concerned. The outcome of the entire process will depend on how well it is possible to align the regulation with the reality of the operation of critical entities.

Júl 2026 rozhodne: Slovensko identifikuje zoznam kritických subjektov

12. mája 2026

Slovenská republika sa nachádza v záverečnej fáze procesu, ktorý zásadne mení prístup k ochrane kritickej infraštruktúry. V súlade so zákonom č. 367/2024 Z. z. o kritickej infraštruktúre má byť v júli 2026 dokončený zoznam subjektov, ktoré budú oficiálne identifikované ako kritické pre fungovanie štátu. Tento krok predstavuje jeden z najdôležitejších míľnikov implementácie nového regulačného rámca, ktorý má za cieľ zvýšiť odolnosť kľúčových systémov voči krízam, kybernetickým hrozbám a výpadkom služieb. Nový rámec zodpovednosti Zaradenie medzi kritické subjekty nebude mať len formálny charakter. Pre dotknuté organizácie bude znamenať zavedenie presne definovaných povinností v oblasti riadenia rizík, bezpečnostných opatrení, incident manažmentu a samotnej kontinuity poskytovania základných služieb v zmysle zákona. Pre mnohé subjekty ide o zásadnú zmenu prístupu k bezpečnosti, ktorá si bude vyžadovať systematickú prípravu ešte pred samotným zaradením do zoznamu. Zvyšujúci sa záujem firiem o reguláciu Už v tomto období je zrejmé, že potenciálne dotknuté subjekty začínajú intenzívne sledovať vývoj legislatívy a pripravovaných vykonávacích pravidiel. Dôvodom je potreba včas nastaviť interné procesy tak, aby prechod do nového režimu prebehol bez zásadných prevádzkových komplikácií. Rastúca náročnosť požiadaviek zároveň zvyšuje dopyt po odbornom vedení a metodickej podpore. Úloha Asociácie kritickej infraštruktúry SR V tomto kontexte zohráva významnú rolu Asociácia kritickej infraštruktúry Slovenskej republiky (AKI SR) , ktorá dlhodobo vytvára odbornú platformu pre spoluprácu medzi štátnym sektorom, regulátormi a prevádzkovateľmi základných služieb naprieč všetkými sektormi kritickej infraštruktúry, ako je napríklad energetika, doprava, zdravotníctvo či digitálna infraštruktúra. Ako uvádza prezident AKI SR Tibor Straka: „Proces identifikácie kritických subjektov nie je len legislatívna povinnosť. Je to moment, ktorý určuje, ako odolný bude štát v reálnych krízových situáciách.“ Asociácia v tejto súvislosti upozorňuje, že obdobie pred finálnym zaradením do zoznamu je pre organizácie najdôležitejšie z hľadiska prípravy a adaptácie. Priestor na včasnú prípravu Firmy, ktoré môžu byť súčasťou zoznamu kritických subjektov, majú v súčasnosti jedinečnú príležitosť pripraviť sa na nové povinnosti systematicky a s dostatočným predstihom. AKI SR v tejto oblasti poskytuje odbornú podporu, metodické usmernenia a platformu na zdieľanie skúseností medzi jednotlivými sektormi. Spolupráca ako základ odolnosti Implementácia nového systému ochrany kritickej infraštruktúry bude úspešná len vtedy, ak bude postavená na úzkej spolupráci medzi verejným a súkromným sektorom. V tomto smere AKI SR rozvíja systematický dialóg s ústrednými orgánmi štátnej správy, ktoré vykonávajú štátnu správu na jednotlivých úsekoch kritickej infraštruktúry. S mnohými z nich má asociácia uzatvorené memorandá o spolupráci, čo umožňuje efektívnejšie prepájanie odborných kapacít, výmenu informácií a koordináciu pri riešení kľúčových bezpečnostných tém. AKI SR tak v procese vystupuje ako prirodzený komunikačný a odborný most medzi regulátorom a subjektami kritickej infraštruktúry, pričom pomáha prepájať legislatívne požiadavky s ich praktickou implementáciou v jednotlivých sektoroch. Nová etapa ochrany kritických systémov Finalizácia zoznamu kritických subjektov v júli 2026 predstavuje zásadný krok v modernizácii systému zvyšovania odolnosti kritickej infraštruktúry na Slovensku. Nový legislatívny rámec nastavuje jasnejšie pravidlá, ale zároveň výrazne zvyšuje nároky na pripravenosť dotknutých organizácií. Výsledok celého procesu bude závisieť od toho, ako dobre sa podarí zosúladiť reguláciu s realitou prevádzky kritických subjektov.

Rail Transport: Critical Infrastructure on the Boundary Between Cyber and Physical

11. mája 2026

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Železničná doprava: kritická infraštruktúra na pomedzí kybernetiky a fyziky

11. mája 2026

V auguste 2023 sa na poľskej železnici udialo niečo, čo dovtedy patrilo do oblasti scenárov, nie reality. Neznámi aktéri zneužili rádiový systém núdzového zastavenia (radio-stop) a vyslali signál, ktorý zastavil viac ako 20 vlakov v rôznych regiónoch krajiny. Útok nepotreboval prístup do digitálnych systémov ani sofistikovaný malvér. Stačil rádiový vysielač a znalosť verejne dostupných tónov. Bola to ukážka, prečo železničná doprava patrí medzi najkomplexnejšie kategórie kritickej infraštruktúry. Spája sa v nej staršia analógová a rádiová technika so súčasnými IT a OT systémami a každá z týchto vrstiev má vlastné zraniteľnosti.

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6. mája 2026

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Podmorské káble: Achillova päta európskej digitálnej suverenity

6. mája 2026

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1. mája 2026

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Predstavujeme sektory kritickej infraštruktúry: Financie