IT Minister D Sridhar Babu acknowledged the growing risks of cyber warfare, noting its capacity to damage economies, intelligence, and infrastructure.
Published Feb 18, 2025 | 6:50 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 18, 2025 | 6:50 PM
Synopsis: The Telangana government launched a new cybersecurity policy and two new advanced security centres to bolster its digital infrastructure, at the inaugural SHIELD Conclave in Hyderabad. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and IT Minister D Sridhar Babu highlighted the urgent need for enhanced cyber defences, citing rising cyber threats such as ransomware, digital arrests, and deep fakes.
In an effort to strengthen its cybersecurity framework, the Telangana government on Tuesday, 18 February, launched two key facilities during the inaugural edition of SHIELD Conclave 2025, an ongoing two-day cybersecurity conference at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) in Jubilee Hills.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and IT Minister D Sridhar Babu virtually inaugurated the Security Operations Centre (SOC) and the Cyber Fusion Centre (CFC).
The SOC will implement proactive cybersecurity measures through dedicated units, including the Threat Intelligence Unit, Cyber Hygiene Audit Unit, and Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) Unit.
The CFC, representing a more extensive initiative, will enhance real-time monitoring, strategic analysis, and public engagement. It comprises multiple units including Data Aggregation, Central Monitoring, Strategic Analysis, Operations, and Social Media Monitoring.
The centre also features a Public Awareness and Engagement Unit focused on citizen education about cyber threats, alongside a Digital Forensic Unit and Cyber Academy for investigations and capacity building.
IT Minister Sridhar Babu also announced that the government was in the process of developing a new digital security policy. “It will be in line with India’s data protection policy,” he explained. This marks the first such legislation for the state corroborating the government’s commitment towards cybersecurity. The announcements comes at a time when Telangana is trying to pivot Hyderabad as a global hub for AI.
The conclave is jointly organised by Telangana Police, Cyberabad Police, the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC), and the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB).
It brings together leading voices from academia, industry, and law enforcement to discuss the evolving landscape of cyber threats and solutions.
Chief Minister Reddy, speaking at the conclave, emphasised that current efforts to combat cyber threats are insufficient, warning that “a cybercrime could be occurring in these few seconds”.
He praised Telangana’s position as one of the few states with a fully functional cybersecurity bureau and highlighted the participation of police officials from 14 states in the conclave.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and IT Minister Sridhar Babu at the Conclave
Reddy illustrated the evolution of crime by comparing traditional break-ins to modern cyber thefts, stating, “Back in the day, a robber had to break into the house and then the safe to get valuables. Today, they can enter your ‘safe’ from anywhere”.
IT Minister Sridhar Babu addressed the global significance of India and Hyderabad specifically, commending the state’s police force for their efficient handling of cyber threats.
He acknowledged the growing risks of cyber warfare, noting its capacity to damage economies, intelligence, and infrastructure. Babu highlighted India’s current lack of indigenous cybersecurity solutions and emphasised the need for enhanced protection of national infrastructure, including UPI and Aadhaar.
Discussing various cyber threats, including deep fakes, “digital arrests”, ransomware, and state-sponsored attacks, Babu described the ongoing nature of digital warfare: “Once you come up with a solution, the attackers find a way around it”.
He revealed that global cybercrime losses amount to nearly $10 trillion, while assuring that Telangana’s proactive measures have minimised the impact of rising cyber threats in the state.
Meanwhile, National Cybersecurity Coordinator Lt Gen MU Nair addressed India’s expanding digital infrastructure, noting that UPI now facilitates payments even in the most remote areas.
However, he cautioned about the risks of vulnerabilities in critical information infrastructure due to outdated tools. Nair questioned the potential for effectively integrating AI into public services while managing cyber threat risks, emphasising that technology also provides solutions to many challenges.
DGP Dr Jitender emphasised Telangana’s position as a global technology hub, requiring a robust cyber defence system. He stressed the importance of law enforcement’s rapid evolution through AI, advanced cybersecurity solutions, and industry collaborations.
“A cyber-vigilant state cannot be achieved through law enforcement alone,” he stated, highlighting the necessity of support from industry, academia, and MSMEs, while emphasising prevention and preparedness in tackling cyber threats.
Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) Director Shikha Goel announced strategic collaborations to strengthen the cybersecurity framework. These partnerships include NALSAR for legal reforms, IIT Hyderabad for technical solutions, and Google for infrastructure enhancement. The bureau has already collaborated with ISB to produce a report on SIM fraud.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
