India has strengthened protection for its growing space sector as CERT-In and SIA-India released new Space Cyber Security Guidelines during the DefSat Conference 2026.

BulletsIn

•  The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team and SIA-India jointly released the India Space Cyber Security Guidelines 2026 to strengthen protection of satellites, communication networks and space infrastructure.
• The guidelines were officially unveiled during the DefSat Conference and Expo 2026 held in New Delhi on February 26, marking a major step in securing India’s space ecosystem.
•  The advisory framework focuses on securing satellite communication systems, ground stations and digital supply chains against emerging cyber threats targeting critical space infrastructure.
•  Satellite communication systems play a vital role in defence operations, disaster response, navigation services and connectivity for remote regions across India.
•  CERT-In, operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, leads national cyber incident response under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act 2000.
•  SIA-India represents satellite operators, manufacturers, startups and research institutions, strengthening cooperation between government agencies and private space industry stakeholders.
•  The guidelines were introduced amid a significant surge in cyberattacks targeting strategic infrastructure, including millions of attempted cyber intrusions during recent security operations.
•  The new framework aims to ensure long-term resilience, technological sovereignty and secure expansion of India’s commercial and strategic space activities.