If you are owner of business operating in India, you might know that Cybersecurity compliance is unavoidable. With CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) making annual security audits mandatory for private and public companies, organizations must now follow stricter processes to prove they are secure. While the intent is to raise cyber resilience, many companies still struggle with implementation.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 challenges companies face with CERT-In compliance and practical ways to solve them.
Challenges Companies Face with CERT-In Compliance and Ways to Solve Them:
Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and non-compliance with CERT-In directives can expose businesses to severe risks and penalties. Here are the top challenges organizations face with CERT-In compliance and actionable ways to solve them.
1. Short Timeline for Incident Reporting
CERT-In mandates that cybersecurity incidents must be reported within 6 hours of detection. For many organizations, this short window becomes a huge challenge.
Why it’s a problem:
- Most businesses lack real-time monitoring.
- Delayed detection makes timely reporting impossible.
- Internal confusion on “who reports what” causes further delays.
Solution: Set up a Security Operations Center (SOC) or outsource monitoring to an MSSP. Define a clear internal escalation matrix so your IT/security teams know exactly how to report incidents to CERT-In on time.
2. Understanding Complex Compliance Guidelines
CERT-In compliance isn’t just about patching vulnerabilities. It includes maintaining logs for 180 days, conducting periodic audits, following specific configurations, and adopting sector-specific frameworks.
Why it’s a problem:
- Many firms don’t fully understand the guidelines.
- Smaller businesses lack compliance expertise.
Solution: Engage with a CERT-In empanelled auditor who can simplify compliance requirements for your business. Regular web application penetration testing and infrastructure audits can highlight gaps before regulators do.
3. Lack of Skilled Cybersecurity Professionals
India faces a significant talent shortage in cybersecurity. According to NASSCOM, India will need 1 million cybersecurity professionals by 2025, yet the supply is far behind.
Why it’s a problem:
- Internal teams often lack expertise in CERT-In aligned pentesting.
- Over-reliance on automated scans misses deeper vulnerabilities.
Solution: Hire or consult certified experts (OSCP, OSCE, GWAPT) from trusted CERT-In empanelled companies. These experts bring advanced skills for manual pentesting, log reviews, and compliance-friendly reporting.
4. High Cost of Continuous Compliance
CERT-In requires annual audits, with additional audits after major system changes (like cloud migration or application upgrades). This can feel like a financial burden for startups and mid-sized firms.
Why it’s a problem:
- Companies see audits as a cost center, not an investment.
- Budget constraints lead to delayed pentesting and compliance gaps.
Solution: Plan compliance as part of your annual IT budget. Some vendors, like Peneto Labs and others, offer free retesting within the audit window and scalable packages. This reduces costs while ensuring compliance readiness.
5. Resistance from Internal Teams
Not all challenges are technical, some are cultural. Development or IT teams often see CERT-In audits as roadblocks to their work.
Why it’s a problem:
- Developers feel slowed down by audits.
- Lack of collaboration leads to poor remediation.
Solution: Encourage a “security-first culture.” Educate teams on why compliance matters- protecting customer trust, avoiding fines, and securing future tenders. Involve your CISOs, compliance officers, and tech auditors early in the audit process to ensure smoother collaboration.
About Peneto Labs, a Cybersecurity Company trusted by Top Indian Brands
At Peneto Labs, we believe in providing more value to customers than the money they have paid. We are a trusted cybersecurity partner, working since 2017 helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats while ensuring compliance in alignment with CERT-In.
Peneto Labs has been empanelled by CERT-In to conduct information security auditing services. Our comprehensive suite of services includes penetration testing (network, web, mobile, cloud, IoT), vulnerability assessment, red teaming, phishing simulations, security audits, and compliance readiness support.
We also offer continuous monitoring, managed security services, and tailored cyber awareness training to empower teams against real-world attacks.
By combining advanced methodologies with hands-on expertise, our expert pentesters not only uncovers hidden vulnerabilities but also equips businesses with actionable strategies to strengthen defenses, achieve compliance, and build long-term cyber resilience.
Final Thoughts
CERT-In compliance is no longer a box-ticking exercise; it’s a business survival necessity. Whether you’re in banking, healthcare, fintech, or government projects, aligning with CERT-In builds trust with regulators, partners, and customers.
By addressing these challenges timely reporting, understanding guidelines, bridging skill gaps, managing costs, and fostering collaboration, companies can stay compliant and resilient.
The easiest way forward? Partner with a CERT-In empanelled security auditor like Peneto Labs who understands both the technical and regulatory side of compliance.
Need help aligning with CERT-In requirements? Start with a no-obligation consultation today and secure your business before it’s too late.