The Uttar Pradesh cybersecurity centre will be established and operated by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur following approval from the state Cabinet for a project worth ₹104.28 crore. IIT Kanpur's Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Hub, C3iHub, will lead the centre's establishment and manage its operations and maintenance for an initial period of three years.
The Uttar Pradesh Cybersecurity Operations Centre (UP-CSOC) will monitor the state government's digital infrastructure around the clock. It is intended to help government departments detect suspicious activity, identify emerging cyber threats and respond to security incidents more effectively.
As government services increasingly rely on digital platforms and connected systems, the centre is expected to strengthen protection for public networks, applications and sensitive information.
Centralised Monitoring of Government Networks
The UP-CSOC will bring cybersecurity monitoring and incident response under a centralised system. Its coverage will include Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments, government networks, applications, data and critical information systems.
The centre will use threat intelligence to identify potential risks, assess the severity of incidents and help departments prioritise their responses. It will also investigate cyber incidents and conduct post-incident analysis to identify security gaps and reduce the possibility of similar attacks.
The proposed system will use technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR), and Network Detection and Response (NDR).
Training, Cyber Drills and Security Audits
The initiative will extend beyond round-the-clock monitoring. It will involve coordination with departmental Chief Information Security Officers and nodal officers to improve cybersecurity preparedness across government departments.
Planned activities include cybersecurity training, vulnerability assessments, cyber drills and independent security audits. These measures are intended to strengthen the ability of departments to identify weaknesses and respond to potential attacks.
IIT Kanpur Director Prof Manindra Agrawal described the centre as an important step towards protecting the state's digital infrastructure from evolving cyber threats. He noted that security breaches could disrupt essential services and expose sensitive data.
C3iHub's Previous Cybersecurity Experience
IIT Kanpur's C3iHub has previously deployed Security Operations Centre capabilities for organisations including SAIL Bhilai Steel Plant, the National Highways Authority of India and the Indian Ports Association, according to the institute.
The hub is expected to draw on this experience in protecting critical infrastructure while developing the state-level facility.
The project aims to improve cybersecurity coordination across Uttar Pradesh's government departments and strengthen the protection of digital public services.
Official website: IIT Kanpur
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