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ARTICLE · 02 DECEMBER 2025

CERT-In Issues Guidelines To Strengthen Cybersecurity In MSMEs

S.S. Rana & Co.
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On September 1, 2025, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (hereinafter referred to as ‘CERT-In') issued '15 Elemental Cyber Defense Controls for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)' (hereinafter referred to as ‘MSME Guidelines') vide Guidelines no. CISG-2024-03.

IndiaTechnology
Anuradha Gandhi
Anuradha Gandhi
Rachita Thakur
Rachita Thakur
Prateek Chandgothia
Prateek Chandgothia
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Introduction

On September 1, 2025, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (hereinafter referred to as 'CERT-In') issued '15 Elemental Cyber Defense Controls for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)' (hereinafter referred to as 'MSME Guidelines') vide Guidelines no. CISG-2024-03. The MSME Guidelines prescribe45 baseline recommendations for MSMEs to adopt in order to safeguard Cyber Infrastructure, confidential data, adhere to legal requirements, reduce financial risk, maintain customer confidence, guarantee operational continuity, gain a competitive advantage, support digital projects, and sustain business growth in an increasingly digital environment.1

Issued in furtherance to the Comprehensive Cyber Security Audit Guidelines which were released on July 25, 2025 by CERT-In2, these Guidelines mandate all MSMEs to mandatorily conduct baseline audits through CERT-In Empaneled Auditing Organizations for the mentioned elemental controls at least once in a

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