Can CERT-In's New Space Cyber Framework Protect India's Satellite Future?

Cyber Security

CERT-In and SIA-India jointly release adaptive guidelines to strengthen India's space sector resilience against evolving digital threats.

CERT-In and SIA-India jointly released space cyber security guidelines during DefSat Conference in February 2026.
Framework protects satellite networks, ground infrastructure, and supply chains against evolving digital threats.
Guidelines establish adaptive, industry-informed standards to strengthen India's space sector resilience and technological sovereignty.

The introduction of a cyber security framework aimed at satellite communication systems and space assets marks a major advancement in India's space capabilities. In collaboration between The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Satellite Industry Association (SIA-India), the guidelines were launched during the DefSat Conference & Expo held in New Delhi from February 24 to 26.

With the new framework, India aims to fill a major gap in its national security technology focused on space communications. According to the regulations, in addition to providing connectivity, satellite systems play an instrumental role in numerous important procedures, including disaster management, navigation, broadcasting, and other economic activities. The framework has been developed to fit a wide range of entities which are part of India’s space industry, including government organizations, satellite services providers, terrestrial stations, equipment makers, and private space companies.

According to the Director General of CERT-In, Dr. Sanjay Bahl, “this initiative is significant and meaningful especially as it comes up with undivided approach characterized by the use of defense in depth, width and height while securing satellite communication networks, ground systems, space supply chain and space assets against cyber threats.”

The development of these guidelines shows the importance of public-private partnership based model which is essential for increasing cyberspace resilience. Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA-India, stated that the joint document combines the ideas of the industry and the knowledge of CERT-In in the sphere of cybersecurity. The timing of putting the initiative into life looks especially important since the threats are increasing in today’s world.

According to Mr. Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India, “there have been more than 1.5 million attempts of cyber-attacks during Operation Sindoor with the attack on government networks expected to increase almost seven times.” He added that cyber security has to move on from being an afterthought to being a fundamental idea of mission assurance.

The guidelines are placed on an adaptive framework whose structure will be changed and improved regularly through constant communication with the industry. For the key players of the industry, this framework acts like an instruction to always use secure-by-design approaches and ensure that any innovations comply with requirements for national security.

Business Honor is of the view that CERT-In's collaborative space cyber security framework represents a strategic pivot toward institutionalizing resilience across India's satellite infrastructure and supply chains.