Amid rising threats—including 1.5 million cyberattack attempts during Operation Sindoor and a sevenfold surge in government network breaches—the guidelines aim to fortify India’s space ecosystem.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT‑In), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the industry body Satcom India Association (SIA‑India), has released a comprehensive framework and guidelines for space cybersecurity to safeguard communication assets. The document was unveiled during the DefSat Conference & Expo 2026 in New Delhi.
Advisory in nature, the guidelines aim to strengthen cybersecurity preparedness across the space ecosystem, supporting government agencies, satellite service providers, ground station operators, equipment vendors, and private enterprises. By articulating essential principles, recommended controls, and defined responsibilities, the framework seeks to foster resilience, accountability, and proactive risk management.
Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, CERT‑In said, “Recognising 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 defence 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.”
Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA‑India, added, “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 cybersecurity expertise of CERT‑In.”
Anil Prakash, Director General, SIA‑India, noted, “The joint framework developed with CERT‑In institutionalises 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. 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.”
Space cybersecurity, particularly for satellite communication systems, is critical to India’s space architecture. These systems enable connectivity across remote and strategic regions, support national security operations, strengthen disaster response, facilitate navigation and broadcasting, and underpin economic activities vital to growth and resilience.