After many months (really years) of struggle with the Starliner project, the article explains how Boeing might finally be reaching the end of the road with this program. Due to significant financial losses and operational challenges, Boeing has expressed interest in potentially selling its space division, which includes the Starliner program. Financial pressures have mounted due to recurring issues with Starliner, with recent substantial losses reported from delays and increased testing and certification costs. While CEO Kelly Ortberg has indicated that discussions around a potential sale are ongoing, no firm decisions have been made.

This topic brings an interesting perspective to cybersecurity in that, selling Boeing’s space assets would involve transferring not only physical assets but also cybersecurity systems. This would include their protocols and procedures developed specifically by Boeing for their cyber security development and current systems. Any company acquiring these assets would need to ensure a smooth transition to maintain Boeing’s established cybersecurity measures since Boeing has access to sensitive data. During the handover this would have to include preventing potential breaches and ensuring continuity in incident response measures. Gaps between Boeing’s and the new owner’s cybersecurity practices would introduce vulnerabilities, creating new risks if not carefully managed.

On the other hand, if Boeing retains its space business, programs like Starliner may face cost-cutting pressures. Cybersecurity could be seen as a non-essential expense since the mission may not necessarily depend on it. Especially under financial strain, cyber security development could be a tempting area for cuts. However, treating cybersecurity as an indirect cost rather than a mission-critical element could be risky, especially in the space sector. Cost reductions here could result in outdated protections, leaving Starliner assets more vulnerable to evolving cyber threats. This is certainly a risk that may ultimately outweigh any short-term savings

https://www.space.com/boeing-exploring-sale-space-business-starliner