In a recent development to enhance the war against cybercrime, the Maharashtra government took a major step. The government has approved a cyber security project worth Rs 838 crore which will allow to register complaints and seek follow-ups through a 24/7 call centre, mobile app and portal.
In a meeting with the state cabinet headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, it was made clear that the project focuses on clamping down on a menace that is fast acquiring the contours of a pan-state and even cross-border organised crime. It envisages the creation of a superstructure, which will include speedy investigations through state-of-the-art equipment and investigation tools and trained manpower. It will also develop a robust system to lodge cybercrime complaints. A command-and-control centre will monitor and resolve the complaints. The project will be completed by 2029 and overseen by a high-powered committee of the state home department.
‘Technology-assisted investigation’ will be the core focus, a security operations centre team will monitor the project and make sure the speedy response 24X7 and during the cyber attacks. ‘Computer Emergency Response Team-Maharashtra (CERT_MH)’, will undertake cyber-security audits and also emergency response and recovery measures during adverse incidents like hacking and phishing. A special team of police officers will be trained in this project. All the data coming in will be stored on a government community cloud or cloud-based data centre.
Maharashtra has a total of 48 cyber police stations, which are equipped with modern machinery and 16 types of investigating tools, and 3,253 police officers and staff trained in investigating and detecting such crimes. This project will enhance the cyber security infrastructure in Maharashtra and will provide a safer digital experience to the citizens of Maharashtra.
