Risky Bulletin – Srsly Risky Biz: "You can't block space internet"

Podcast: Risky Bulletin
Host: Amberly (B), with guest Tom Uren (A)
Date: January 22, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Seriously Risky Biz delves into critical global cybersecurity topics, including the role of Starlink during Iran's internet blackout amid civil unrest, and a deep dive into the nomination of General Joshua Rudd to lead the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command. Host Amberly and policy editor Tom Uren discuss the real-world impact of satellite internet on digital censorship and humanitarian crises, as well as challenges in cybersecurity leadership under shifting U.S. administrations.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Starlink as an Internet Lifeline in Iran

• Background:
  Iran is experiencing widespread political unrest and a violent government crackdown, resulting in a near-total domestic internet blackout ([00:39]-[02:40]).

• How Starlink Entered the Scene:

  • SpaceX's Starlink internet terminals are being used by Iranians to bypass the blackout, offering a crucial communications link to the outside world.
  • The U.S. government exempted Starlink terminals from sanctions post a prior protest blackout, enabling their legal transfer to Iran ([03:10]-[04:15]).
  • Recently, subscriptions for Starlink terminals in Iran became free, making them operational for thousands of users who previously struggled to pay due to sanctions ([02:40]-[03:51]).

• Limitations and Vulnerabilities:

  • Starlink’s deployment is reactive rather than planned: "Everyone is just reacting to the situation." ([04:05] – Tom)
  • The Iranian regime employs countermeasures like GPS spoofers and electronic jamming (possibly with Russian help), disrupting Starlink terminals ([05:00]-[05:51]).
  • The scale remains limited—“50 to 100,000 terminals” is not enough for 90 million people ([03:51]-[05:51]).

• Notable Quote:

  • "Reporters that specialize in Iranian news, they say that most of the reporting they're doing is based on stuff that is transmitted over Starlink. So like that's good." ([03:52] – Tom)

• Concerns About Reliance:

  • SpaceX remains subject to external pressures and could be compelled to halt service as quickly as it's provided: “If SpaceX can kind of be pressured to giveth, do you think... they can kind of be pressured to take it away as well?” ([05:54] – Amberly, [06:14] – Tom)

• Policy Implications:

  • Reliance on one U.S.-centric provider is risky; Tom advocates for planning and multiple providers (Amazon, European, Chinese options) to ensure broader and more resilient access for future emergencies ([06:14]-[08:21]).

2. The Future: Direct-to-Cell Satellite Internet

• Emerging Technology:

  • Starlink is rolling out 'Direct to Cell' technology—using existing mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, bypassing terrestrial cell towers. Already operational in parts of the U.S., Canada, and Australia ([08:21]-[10:23]).
  • In crisis scenarios, such tech could potentially connect millions instead of tens of thousands.

• Implementation Challenges:

  • Adopting Direct-to-Cell in countries like Iran isn’t as simple as flipping a switch; it requires cooperation with local telcos and significant technical infrastructure ([08:21]-[10:23]).
  • The policy and geopolitical implications complicate humanitarian deployment.

• Notable Quote:

  • “It would be more broadly accessible. It would be harder for the regime to crack down on because it's harder to block signals.” ([08:21] – Tom)

• Call for Proactive Policy:

  • Tom urges governments to prepare for recurring internet blackouts globally, suggesting structured international frameworks and contingency planning ([10:23]-[11:07]).

3. Leadership in U.S. Cybersecurity: The Joshua Rudd Nomination

• Context:

  • General Joshua Rudd has been nominated to lead the NSA and Cyber Command. The hosts critique his lack of direct experience and perceived unpreparedness during Senate confirmation hearings ([11:07]-[13:22]).

• Key Issues for the Role:

  • Section 702 and civil liberties (domestic surveillance for foreign intelligence).
  • The "dual-hat" leadership arrangement (same person heading NSA and Cyber Command).
  • Offensive cyber operations as deterrence policy ([13:22]-[14:47]).

• Memorable Moments:

  • Rudd’s weak responses: When asked about his qualifications, he essentially compared his experience to that of a consumer, not a practitioner—“I've used intelligence and I've integrated stuff from Cyber Command in operations. So, you know, I use Amazon a lot.” ([12:28] – Tom wryly paraphrasing)
  • Laughter between hosts as they liken this to “I consume a lot of food, but I don't think I'm quite ready to... be a farmer.” ([12:35] – Amberly)

• Crucial Hearing Exchange:

  • Senator Angus King presses Rudd on whether the U.S. should adopt a declared offensive cyber deterrence policy.
  • Rudd says it isn’t his role to set policy but couldn’t offer an opinion, which Tom finds disappointing:
    • “Either you're not telling us what you think or you don't have any thoughts. And I'm very disappointed.” ([16:22]-[17:24] – Tom)
  • Rudd’s predecessor faced the same question but answered with more substance.

• Possible Reasons for Evasiveness:

  • In the current political climate, Rudd may be staying vague to avoid being fired over a wrong answer:
    • “I'll say as little as possible about anything, and that may make it more likely that I'll survive in the Trump administration...” ([17:41] – Tom)

• Notable Quote:

  • “Is that a good way to choose the head of the... most capable cyber organizations on the planet? Yeah, probably not, but maybe that's what you get right now.” ([18:36] – Tom)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Starlink’s Ad Hoc Humanitarian Role:

  • “Everyone is just reacting to the situation.” ([04:05] – Tom Uren)

• On Starlink’s Vulnerability to Pressure:

  • “If SpaceX can kind of be pressured to giveth, do you think... they can kind of be pressured to take it away as well?” ([05:54] – Amberly)
  • “Oh, yeah, I'm sure that's true.” ([06:14] – Tom)

• On Leadership Readiness:

  • “I use Amazon a lot.” ([12:28] – Tom mocking Rudd’s weak response)
  • “I consume a lot of food, but I don't think I'm quite ready to... be a farmer.” ([12:35] – Amberly, humor)

• On Policy Evasion:

  • “Either you're not telling us what you think or you don't have any thoughts. And I'm very disappointed.” ([17:24] – Tom)

Essential Timestamps

• 00:39-04:05 – Starlink’s emergency internet role in Iran
• 04:05-05:54 – Starlink’s delivery, limitations, and regime countermeasures
• 05:54-06:14 – Starlink’s susceptibility to U.S. and SpaceX policy shifts
• 06:14-08:21 – Planning for multiple providers and the emergence of Direct to Cell
• 08:21-10:23 – Direct to Cell technology and challenges in crisis response
• 11:07-13:22 – Rudd’s background and weak nomination performance
• 13:22-16:22 – Fundamental NSA/CyberCom challenges and Rudd's vague stances
• 16:22-18:36 – Hearing anecdotes and politics of cybersecurity leadership

Tone and Style

The conversation balances technical analysis with a candid, often wry, tone. Tom frequently pairs policy critique with humor and practical insight, while Amberly keeps the discussion grounded and accessible for listeners without prior background.

Summary Takeaways

• Starlink is a temporary, limited but vital digital lifeline in crisis zones subject to politics, technical vulnerabilities, and piecemeal policy.
• Emerging satellite communications (e.g., Direct to Cell) could transform crisis connectivity, but nations must proactively plan frameworks instead of reacting.
• Leadership in U.S. cybersecurity remains highly politicized, with qualifications and substantive policy views sometimes taking a back seat to political survival.

Listeners leave with a nuanced understanding of both the power and the fragility of "space internet" under authoritarian regimes—and the political dynamics shaping its future use.