Bengaluru : C3iHub, the Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Hub at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), will lead the establishment and undertake the operation and maintenance of the Uttar Pradesh Cyber Security Operations Centre (UP-CSOC) for an initial period of three years. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹104.28 crore, including operational and maintenance expenses, was approved by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet at a meeting chaired by Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The proposed UP-CSOC aims to strengthen the security of the state’s government digital infrastructure through centralised cybersecurity monitoring, threat detection and incident response. As government departments increasingly rely on digital platforms and interconnected systems for administration and public service delivery, the centre will support the identification of suspicious activities, assessment of potential cyber threats and timely response to security incidents affecting government data, digital networks, applications and critical information systems.
The centre will also support 24×7 security monitoring of digital infrastructure, with threat intelligence-driven detection to help identify emerging cyber threats. Its capabilities will include cybersecurity monitoring across Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments, advanced vulnerability management to identify security weaknesses and assess associated risks, and threat severity analysis to prioritise incidents based on their severity and potential impact. It will also support incident investigation, coordinated response and post-incident analysis to help strengthen security controls and reduce the risk of recurrence.
These capabilities are expected to be supported by advanced cybersecurity technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR), and Network Detection and Response (NDR). The initiative will also focus on coordination with departmental Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and nodal officers, alongside cybersecurity training, vulnerability assessments, cyber drills and periodic independent security audits. Together, these measures are intended to strengthen cybersecurity preparedness and support a coordinated approach to managing risks across government departments.
Speaking on the announcement, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, stated, “The establishment of the Uttar Pradesh Cyber Security Operations Centre is an important step towards protecting the state’s digital infrastructure from evolving cyber threats, as any breach can disrupt the essential services and compromise sensitive data. C3iHub at IIT Kanpur, with its specialized expertise and technical competence, is well-positioned to lead this initiative. It has already deployed Security Operations Centres (SOCs) for leading organizations such as SAIL Bhilai Steel Plant, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Indian Ports Association (IPA). We are confident that this experience will make a significant contribution to further strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s digital security ecosystem.”
C3iHub, IIT Kanpur, has previously deployed Security Operations Centre capabilities for organisations including SAIL Bhilai Steel Plant, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA). These deployments reflect its experience in supporting cybersecurity operations across critical infrastructure environments, where the availability, integrity and security of digital systems are essential to operational continuity. Building on this experience, C3iHub will bring its technical expertise in cybersecurity monitoring, threat detection and incident response to the proposed state-level initiative.
Through the UP-CSOC initiative, C3iHub, IIT Kanpur, will contribute to strengthening the state’s ability to identify, assess and respond to emerging cyber risks through continuous monitoring, coordinated incident management and improved security preparedness. The initiative is expected to support a more secure and resilient digital governance framework for Uttar Pradesh, helping safeguard government digital infrastructure and the public services that depend on it.
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