Mumbai’s Cyber Crime Control and Command Centre is set to undergo a transformation and be rebranded as the Maharashtra Cyber Security Corporation. This decision comes after receiving numerous requests from various states seeking assistance in establishing similar command centres. The state cabinet gave the green light to convert the existing centre located in Mhape, Navi Mumbai, which was initially built at a cost of Rs 838 crore, into a corporation registered under the Companies Act.
According to a senior bureaucrat from the state’s home department, there has been a surge in requests for support from states across the country, with even Zimbabwe seeking assistance recently. The Centre, which was originally approved by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in 2018, commenced construction in 2019 but faced delays before being inaugurated in October last year. Known for receiving approximately 7,000 daily calls reporting cyber fraud, the Centre boasts advanced software acquired from Israel and the US to combat cybercrime effectively.
The revamped Maharashtra Cyber Security Corporation will consist of six key components, including a security operations centre capable of issuing warnings about potential cyberattacks. Moreover, a centre of excellence has been established to train 500 police personnel as cyber cops, with the goal of eventually training 1,000 officers. This training will equip them with the necessary skills to conduct Tech Assisted Investigations and address hacking incidents. Additionally, the state currently houses 51 cyber crime centres spread across 35 districts, and when an e-FIR is filed, the Command Centre assumes responsibility for the investigation.
The significant progress and achievements made by the Cyber Crime Control and Command Centre have garnered attention not only within India but also from other countries. Following word-of-mouth recommendations, states like Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Goa have expressed interest in replicating similar setups. Recognizing the potential for collaboration and revenue generation, officials decided to restructure the Centre into a corporation under the Companies Act. This move will enable the Centre to undertake projects with states, countries, and private companies seeking cyber fraud prevention services.
With its new status as the Maharashtra Cyber Security Corporation, the Centre aims to expand its reach and offer its expertise to a broader audience. By partnering with external entities and engaging in projects beyond state borders, the Corporation seeks to enhance cybersecurity measures and generate revenue. The transformation reflects the Centre’s strategic vision to evolve into a self-sustaining entity capable of tackling cyber threats on a larger scale and contributing to the national cybersecurity ecosystem.