IIT Kanpur plans to set up Uttar Pradesh's cybersecurity centre

C3iHub, the cyber-security hub of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, will set up and operate the Uttar Pradesh Cyber Security Operations Centre (UP-CSOC). The plan is for the initial period of three years. IIT Kanpur’s project has an estimated cost of Rs 104.28 crore, including operational and maintenance expenses.

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the initiative at a meeting chaired by chief minister Yogi Adityanath on October 29. The centre will focus on monitoring government digital infrastructure, identifying cyber threats and coordinating responses to security incidents across state departments.

The initiative by the UP government and IIT Kanpur has been made as government departments are depending on the “digital platforms and interconnected systems for administration and public service delivery” as mentioned in the press release. The cyber-security centre will monitor the government networks, applications and information systems to identify suspicious activities and address the potential security breaches.

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Cyber threat monitoring

The cyber-security hub will provide 24/7 monitoring across the information technology (IT) and operation technology (OT) systems. The center will check the government networks, applications and information systems for suspicious activity and respond to possible security breaches.

The centre will use technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR), and Network Detection and Response (NDR) to strengthen threat identification and response.

The project will also involve coordination with departmental chief information security officers (CISOs) and nodal officers. Cybersecurity training, cyber drills and independent security audits will form part of the initiative.

Commenting on the project, IIT Kanpur director Manindra Agrawal said the centre would help protect government systems against emerging cyber risks. He noted that a security breach could “disrupt the essential services and compromise sensitive data”.

Agrawal added that C3iHub had the technical expertise to lead the project, having previously deployed Security Operations Centre capabilities for organisations including SAIL Bhilai Steel Plant, the National Highways Authority of India and the Indian Ports Association.

Through the initiative, C3iHub is expected to strengthen cyber-security preparedness across Uttar Pradesh's government departments and help protect the digital infrastructure supporting public services.