New Delhi: India’s space ecosystem has received a significant cyber shield with the release of comprehensive space cyber security guidelines jointly developed by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and SIA-India.
The new framework on space cyber security was unveiled during the DefSat Conference & Expo-2026 held in New Delhi from 24–26 February 2026.
Space cyber security, particularly in the context of Satellite Communication systems, is of paramount importance to India’s space architecture.
Satellite networks serve as vital enablers of connectivity across remote and strategic regions, support national security operations, strengthen disaster response mechanisms, facilitate navigation and broadcasting services, and underpin a wide spectrum of economic activities essential to the nation’s growth and resilience.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, in collaboration with SIA-India, has developed a comprehensive framework and advisory guidelines for space cyber security aimed at securing space communication assets and enhancing the resilience of India’s expanding space ecosystem.
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Advisory Framework to Strengthen Space Cyber Security Preparedness
The space cyber security guidelines are advisory in nature and seek to advance cyber security preparedness across the space sector.
The framework has been designed to support a diverse set of stakeholders, including government agencies, satellite service providers, ground station operators, equipment vendors, and private space enterprises.
By articulating essential cyber security principles, recommended controls, and clearly defined responsibilities, the space cyber security document aims to foster resilience, accountability, and proactive risk management throughout the sector.
The guidelines focus on safeguarding satellite networks, ground infrastructure, supply chains, and other critical space assets against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
CERT-In Emphasises Unified and Forward-Looking Space Cyber Security Framework
Dr Sanjay Bahl, Director General, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, said: “CERT-In remains steadfast in strengthening the cyber resilience of all sectors across Bharat.
Recognizing the strategic importance of space systems, including satellite communication networks, to India’s technological sovereignty and future growth, these comprehensive guidelines establish a unified and forward-looking framework by considering defense in depth, breadth and height to safeguard satellite networks, ground infrastructure, space related supply chains and space assets against the rapidly evolving and increasingly sophisticated cyber threat landscape.”
The new space cyber security framework integrates layered defense strategies to address vulnerabilities across operational, technical, and supply chain dimensions, reinforcing national cyber resilience in the space domain.
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Industry Collaboration at the Core of Space Cyber Security Strategy
Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA-India, said: “Public Private Partnership and the considered views of industry are fundamental to strengthening cyber resilience across any sector. This joint guideline document issued by CERT-In and SIA India reflect a holistic and collaborative approach, integrating industry perspectives with the deep cyber security expertise of CERT-In.
Together, they mark a significant step forward in advancing the cyber security posture of India’s space sector and reinforcing its preparedness against emerging digital threats.”
The joint effort underscores the importance of industry participation in shaping India’s space cyber security ecosystem, ensuring alignment between policy frameworks and operational realities.
Rising Threat Landscape Highlights Need for Robust Space Cyber Security
Anil Prakash, Director General, SIA-India, underscored: “India’s expanding space ecosystem now requires cybersecurity to evolve from a technical afterthought into a core pillar of mission assurance. The joint framework developed with CERT-In institutionalizes resilience across satellites, ground infrastructure, and supply chains – particularly significant at a time when over 1.5 million cyberattack attempts were recorded during Operation Sindoor and attacks on government networks surged nearly sevenfold.
In this evolving threat landscape, critical infrastructure and industry are equally vulnerable. Importantly, these cyber guidelines are based on an adaptive model and will be periodically refined through structured industry consultation to remain responsive to emerging threats and technological advancements. For industry, this is a clear call to adopt secure-by-design architectures and align innovation with national security imperatives.”
