India’s space sector gets cybersecurity boost as CERT-In, SIA-India release joint guidelines
- IBEF
- March 2, 2026
The Indian space community has just received a major boost in space cybersecurity. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the Satcom Industry Association of India (SIA-India) have collaborated on the development of a comprehensive set of Space Cyber Security Guidelines. Unveiled during the DefSat Conference & Expo 2026 in New Delhi, this set of guidelines seeks to enhance the overall space cybersecurity value chain, including satellite operators and ground station controllers, equipment manufacturers, private space companies, and government agencies. Recognizing the importance of satellite communication to national security, disaster relief, connectivity, navigation, and broadcasting, the guidelines outline a comprehensive roadmap comprising key principles, recommended controls, and clearly articulated responsibilities for all stakeholders to collectively enhance the management of cyber risks in the space community.
According to Director General of CERT-In, Dr. Sanjay Bahl, the guidelines are a unified and flexible resource to protect satellites as well as the ground infrastructure, supply chains, and networks against increasingly complex cyber threats. President of SIA-India, Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in developing these guidelines. Referring to the urgency of the situation, Director General of SIA-India Mr. Anil Prakash cited the effect of Operation Sindoor, which saw over 1.5 million attempts at cyberattacks and a near seven-fold increase in attacks on government networks. The guidelines encourage a ‘secure-by-design’ approach and recommend regular, systematic updates to keep pace with the expanding space capabilities of India.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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