Mumbai, April 2 (NationPress) In response to escalating cyber crimes and digital fraud, the Fadnavis administration has made a pivotal choice to create the Maharashtra Cyber Crime Security Corporation under the Companies Act of 2013.

This Corporation will be overseen by the state government and will consist of 11 members, led by the additional chief secretary of the state home department. A notification was issued by the state government on Tuesday.

“The formation of this Corporation aims to establish a robust framework in the cyber domain within the state, facilitating the state government to guarantee cyber security for its administrative sectors and the general public. The state government has previously initiated the Maharashtra Cyber Security Project, which utilizes cutting-edge technology and skilled personnel to focus on vulnerable demographics, particularly women, children, and senior citizens. This project is set to serve as a central hub for cyber security and cyber crime control across the state. Collaborations with other states and international entities are being sought to offer guidance and services in a commercial manner for project implementation. In light of these advancements, the establishment of the Maharashtra Cyber Crime Security Corporation (MCCSC) under the Home Department is being proposed,” the notification states.

The government noted that while there has been a significant increase in digital transactions and Unified Payments Interface activities in the country, there is concurrently a rise in cybercrimes such as digital arrest scams, cryptocurrency frauds, and fake investment schemes. Sophisticated technologies like deepfakes and artificial intelligence (AI) are being exploited to mislead ordinary citizens. Additionally, threats involving the dissemination of fake pornographic videos on social media and financial extortion by impersonating police or judges are on the rise. Cybercrime has emerged as the largest organized crime globally, valued at $6 trillion. It has evolved into cyber terrorism, ransomware attacks, and data breaches, posing a significant risk to national security. In this context, the Corporation will undertake various cyber security initiatives for government, public, and private sectors both domestically and internationally, providing consultancy services as per demand. It will also offer training based on needs and establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as necessary,” the notification elaborates.

The Corporation will deliver a range of services including cyber security audits, compliance assessments, forensic audits, risk evaluations, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, Security Operation Center (SOC) services, software and application testing, disaster recovery, cyber threat management, and incident response, along with other advisory services, all with the state government's consent.

Additionally, the Corporation will initiate a statewide awareness campaign across various platforms, including workplaces, social media, electronic channels, text, and digital media, to enhance cyber security awareness amongst citizens. It will coordinate with banks, mobile service providers, and financial institutions, as well as develop research and technology to install necessary tools and systems that improve the prediction, response, and mitigation of cyber attack consequences.

The state government’s Cyber Crime Department will partner with law enforcement and other stakeholders to ensure the prosecution of cybercriminals, hackers, and other offenders.

The Corporation will work alongside industry players, international organizations, and governmental agencies to foster cyber-secure business practices. It will also collaborate with law enforcement on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) concerns, online piracy, trademark violations, and counterfeiting to safeguard digital assets and businesses.

Furthermore, the Corporation plans to form strategic alliances with both public and private sectors to set up infrastructure such as cybersecurity training and development labs, potentially seeking support from these sectors under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to promote cybersecurity awareness.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)