India fortifies space sector with dedicated cyber security framework; CERT-In and SIA-India issue joint guidelines

In a significant move to secure India’s rapidly expanding space ecosystem, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the Satcom Industry Association of India (SIA-India) have jointly released comprehensive guidelines aimed at strengthening cyber resilience across the country’s space infrastructure.

The framework, unveiled during the DefSat Conference & Expo 2026 in New Delhi, comes at a time when satellite networks and space-based assets are playing an increasingly critical role in national security, digital connectivity, disaster management, navigation, broadcasting and economic growth.

Why Space Cyber Security Matters

India’s space communication systems, particularly satellite communication networks,  form the backbone of connectivity in remote and strategic regions. They enable defence coordination, support emergency response during natural disasters, power navigation systems, and sustain a wide range of commercial and governmental operations.

With the growing sophistication of cyber threats globally, these critical systems have become potential targets. Officials noted that safeguarding satellites, ground stations, supply chains and communication infrastructure is no longer optional but essential to preserving India’s technological sovereignty.

A Unified Framework for a Diverse Ecosystem

The newly released guidelines are advisory in nature but provide a structured and forward-looking framework tailored for the entire space ecosystem. This includes:

Government agencies

Satellite service providers

Ground station operators

Equipment manufacturers

Private space enterprises and startups

The document lays down core cyber security principles, recommended technical and operational controls, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities. It promotes a culture of proactive risk management, resilience and accountability across the sector.

Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, emphasised that the framework adopts a “defence in depth, breadth and height” approach, designed to protect satellite networks, ground infrastructure and space supply chains against increasingly complex cyber threats.

Rising Threat Landscape Drives Urgency

The push for a dedicated space cyber security framework gains urgency in the backdrop of escalating cyber incidents. According to industry representatives, more than 1.5 million cyberattack attempts were recorded during Operation Sindoor, while attacks targeting government networks surged nearly sevenfold.

Against this evolving threat environment, the guidelines aim to transform cyber security from a reactive function into a foundational pillar of mission assurance.

SIA-India President Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri highlighted the importance of public-private partnership in strengthening sectoral resilience. He noted that the joint effort reflects a collaborative approach that combines industry expertise with CERT-In’s cyber security capabilities.

SIA-India Director General Anil Prakash underscored that India’s expanding space ecosystem now requires “secure-by-design” architectures, integrating cyber protection into system development from the outset rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Adaptive and Future-Ready Approach

Importantly, the framework is designed to evolve. Officials indicated that the guidelines will be periodically refined through structured industry consultations to remain aligned with emerging technologies and new threat vectors.

By institutionalising cyber resilience across satellites, ground infrastructure and supply chains, the initiative seeks to ensure continuity of critical services and reinforce trust in India’s space capabilities.

Institutional Backbone

CERT-In, operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, serves as the national agency for cyber incident response under the IT Act, 2000. It runs a 24x7 incident response help desk and provides prevention, response and security quality management services.

Also Read: NHRC calls for strong action against spurious medicines; experts push for structural reforms

SIA-India, a non-profit body representing satellite operators, manufacturers, startups and academic institutions, acts as the voice of the Indian space industry in policy and regulatory forums while facilitating global collaborations.

Strategic Significance

As India’s space sector opens up to private participation and commercial expansion, cyber resilience has become central to sustaining growth and safeguarding strategic interests. The joint guidelines mark a decisive step toward building a secure, future-ready space architecture — ensuring that India’s ambitions in orbit are protected not only from physical threats, but from invisible digital ones as well.