Why in news?
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT‑In) and the Satcom Industry Association of India (SIA‑India) have jointly released comprehensive cybersecurity guidelines for the country’s growing space ecosystem. The guidelines were unveiled at the DefSat Conference & Expo 2026 in New Delhi.
Background
CERT‑In is India’s national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents. Operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, it collects and analyses information on cyber incidents, issues alerts and advisories, coordinates response activities and provides 24×7 assistance to government, private sector and individual users. The agency can issue directions to service providers and data centres under section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
SIA‑India is a non‑profit body representing the country’s space and satellite industry. Its members include satellite operators, manufacturers, start‑ups, academic institutions and law firms. The association advocates policies that promote innovation and global collaboration in the space sector.
Highlights of the joint guidelines
- Comprehensive scope: The guidelines cover the entire space value chain, including satellite operators, ground station controllers, equipment manufacturers, private space firms and government agencies.
- Defence‑in‑depth: They call for “defence in depth, breadth and height” – protecting not just satellites but also associated ground infrastructure, supply chains and communication networks.
- Secure‑by‑design: Space enterprises are urged to build systems with cybersecurity in mind from the outset rather than adding security later.
- Clear roles: The advisory framework lays out roles and responsibilities for stakeholders and promises periodic updates through consultation with industry.
- Rising threats: The guidelines respond to a surge in cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. During Operation Sindoor, over 1.5 million cyberattack attempts were recorded and attacks on government networks increased nearly sevenfold. Strengthening cybersecurity is vital for national security, disaster response, navigation, broadcasting and connectivity.
Significance
India’s space sector is expanding rapidly, with more satellites, private players and critical services relying on space‑based infrastructure. Establishing a unified cybersecurity framework ensures that systems are resilient against sophisticated threats. The partnership between CERT‑In and SIA‑India demonstrates collaboration between government and industry and sets a benchmark for securing space assets in the digital era.
Source: DD News