IIT Kanpur to set up and operate Uttar Pradesh's Rs 104 crore cybersecurity centre

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a cybersecurity centre worth more than Rs 104 crore, to be established and run by IIT Kanpur's C3iHub. The three-year mandate will centralise threat monitoring and incident response across government departments.The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a cybersecurity centre worth more than Rs 104 crore, to be established and run by IIT Kanpur's C3iHub. Kanpur,Oct 31, 2026 11:09 ISTThe Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur will set up and run Uttar Pradesh’s new Cybersecurity Operations Centre, a Rs 104.28 crore project cleared by the state Cabinet. Its Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Hub, C3iHub, will lead the establishment and manage operations and maintenance for an initial three years.The centre will monitor the state government’s digital infrastructure round the clock and help departments respond to cyber threats. As public services increasingly depend on online platforms and connected systems, it will help identify suspicious activity.A CENTRAL WATCH OVER GOVERNMENT NETWORKSThe Uttar Pradesh Cybersecurity Operations Centre (UP-CSOC) will bring monitoring and incident response under one system. Its work will cover Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments, including government networks, applications, data and critical information systems.It will use threat intelligence to identify emerging risks, assess the seriousness of incidents and help departments prioritise responses. The centre will also investigate cyber incidents and analyse them afterwards to identify gaps and reduce the risk of similar attacks. The system is expected to use Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR), and Network Detection and Response (NDR).MORE THAN JUST MONITORINGThe initiative will involve coordination with departmental Chief Information Security Officers and nodal officers. It will also include cybersecurity training, vulnerability assessments, cyber drills and independent security audits to improve preparedness across government departments. The aim is to detect attacks and protect public services that rely on digital infrastructure.Speaking on the announcement, Prof Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, said, "The establishment of the Uttar Pradesh Cybersecurity Operations Centre is an important step towards protecting the state’s digital infrastructure from evolving cyber threats, as any breach can disrupt essential services and compromise sensitive data.IIT KANPUR BRINGS PRIOR EXPERIENCEC3iHub 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, the institute said.These projects have given the hub experience in protecting critical infrastructure, where digital disruption can affect essential services. It will draw on this work for the state-level facility.The project is intended to strengthen cybersecurity across departments statewide.- Ends