Mumbai: In response to the increasing incidents of cybercrime and digital fraud, the Fadnavis government has decided to establish the Maharashtra Cyber Crime Security Corporation (MCCSC) under the Companies Act, 2013.
This new corporation, which will be overseen by the state government, will be composed of 11 members, led by the additional chief secretary of the state home department. The government issued a notification on Tuesday regarding this initiative.
According to the notification, the Corporation aims to build a robust infrastructure in the cyber sector to enhance cyber security for governmental departments and the public. The Maharashtra Cyber Security Project has already been launched, focusing on advanced technology, skilled personnel, and infrastructure to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and seniors. This project will serve as a central hub for cyber security and the control of cybercrime in the state. To support its implementation, other states and foreign entities are being invited to provide guidance and services in a commercial manner.
The government noted the significant rise in digital transactions and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) usage has been accompanied by an uptick in cybercrimes, including digital arrest scams, cryptocurrency frauds, and fake investment schemes. Advanced technologies such as deepfakes and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly exploited to deceive the public. Incidents of threats to upload fake pornographic content on social media and financial extortion by impersonating police officers or judges are also on the rise. Cybercrime has become a prevalent organized crime globally, with a market value of approximately $6 trillion, transforming into issues like cyber terrorism, ransomware attacks, and data breaches that threaten national security. In this context, the Corporation will manage various cybersecurity projects for government, public, and private entities in India and abroad and offer consultancy services in cybersecurity and technology according to demand. Additionally, it will provide training and establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as necessary.
The Corporation plans to offer a range of services, including cyber security audits and compliance, forensic assessments, risk and vulnerability evaluations, penetration testing, Security Operation Center (SOC) services, software and application testing, disaster recovery, cyber threat management, incident response, and advisory services—all contingent upon state government approval.
Moreover, it will initiate a statewide awareness campaign through various media platforms, including workplace, social, electronic, text, and digital media, to enhance citizens’ understanding of cyber security. The Corporation will also work in coordination with banks, mobile service providers, and financial institutions. It will focus on developing research and technology and installing tools and systems to better predict, respond to, and mitigate the effects of cyber attacks.
The state’s Cyber Crime Department will collaborate with law enforcement and other stakeholders to ensure the prosecution of cybercriminals and hackers.
The Corporation will partner with industries, international organizations, and government institutions to create cyber-secure businesses and will cooperate with law enforcement on issues related to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), online piracy, trademark violations, and counterfeiting, protecting digital assets and businesses.
It will also seek strategic partnerships with both public and private sectors to establish infrastructure for cybersecurity training and development laboratories and may pursue assistance from these sectors through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to promote cybersecurity awareness.
