India Space Ecosystem Gets Cyber Shield Through CERT In And SIA India
India has strengthened its space ecosystem with a dedicated cyber shield through new joint guidelines released by SIA India and CERT In. The framework focuses on protecting satellite communication systems and broader space communication assets that underpin national security and economic growth.
Space cyber security holds critical importance for India’s space architecture. Satellite communication systems enable connectivity across remote and strategic regions. Moreover, they support national security operations and strengthen disaster response mechanisms. They also facilitate navigation and broadcasting services while underpinning a wide range of economic activities essential to national resilience.
Joint Framework Released At DefSat Conference And Expo 2026
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology developed the comprehensive framework in collaboration with SIA India. The organisations released the guidelines during the DefSat Conference and Expo 2026 held in New Delhi from 24 to 26 February 2026.
The guidelines remain advisory in nature. However, they aim to advance cyber security preparedness across the space sector. The framework supports diverse stakeholders within the ecosystem. These include government agencies, satellite service providers, ground station operators, equipment vendors and private space enterprises.
By setting out core cyber security principles, recommended controls and defined responsibilities, the document seeks to foster resilience and accountability. Furthermore, it promotes proactive risk management across the sector.
Strengthening Cyber Resilience Across Space Assets
Dr Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT In, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening cyber resilience across Bharat. He highlighted the strategic importance of space systems and satellite communication networks to India’s technological sovereignty and future growth. Therefore, the guidelines establish a unified and forward looking framework.
He stated that the framework applies defence in depth, breadth and height to safeguard satellite networks, ground infrastructure, space related supply chains and space assets. As a result, it aims to counter rapidly evolving and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA India, stressed the importance of public private partnership in strengthening cyber resilience. He noted that the joint document reflects a holistic and collaborative approach. In addition, it integrates industry perspectives with CERT In’s cyber security expertise. He described the guidelines as a significant step towards reinforcing preparedness against emerging digital threats.
Secure By Design And Adaptive Model
Mr Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA India, said India’s expanding space ecosystem now requires cyber security to function as a core pillar of mission assurance. He emphasised that the joint framework institutionalises resilience across satellites, ground infrastructure and supply chains.
He pointed to the evolving threat landscape, noting that more than 1.5 million cyberattack attempts were recorded during Operation Sindoor. He also said attacks on government networks surged nearly sevenfold. Consequently, he urged industry to adopt secure by design architectures and align innovation with national security imperatives.
Importantly, the guidelines follow an adaptive model. The organisations will refine them periodically through structured industry consultation to ensure responsiveness to emerging threats and technological advances.
CERT In functions as the national agency for incident response under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act 2000. It operates a 24 by 7 incident response help desk and provides incident prevention, response and security quality management services.
SIA India represents the interests of the space industry in India. Its membership includes satellite operators, manufacturers, suppliers, startups, academic institutions and law firms. The association serves as a voice for the industry and provides an interface with government while promoting international collaboration.