Security of time synchronization in critical infrastructure

Security of time synchronization in critical infrastructure

The international project “Assessment of Time Transfer Techniques For Resilient Regional (Transnational) UTC Infrastructure” will begin on February 2, 2026, led by PCSS. Implemented under the NAVISP programme of the European Space Agency, the initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of Europe’s time and frequency infrastructure. The project will focus on ensuring reliable synchronization sources for key sectors of the economy.

Precise access to time and frequency signals forms the foundation of modern telecommunications, transport, energy, and financial services. Given that the potential economic impact of a multi-day disruption in GNSS satellite signal availability is estimated to exceed £1 billion per day, introducing complementary solutions has become essential. The project will therefore test and validate time transfer technologies such as ELSTAB and White Rabbit, which may offer a robust alternative to GNSS systems.

Alongside PCSS as the project leader, the consortium includes renowned partner institutions: AGH University of KrakowSpace Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CBK PAN)Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) from Germany, and the Dutch organizations SURF BV and VSL B.V.. The joint research and development work will enable the creation of a secure, transnational UTC infrastructure resilient to external disruptions. The project is scheduled for completion on July 31, 2027.