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The institute will also be responsible for the centre’s operations and maintenance for the initial three years.
The technical expertise of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur will now be leveraged to protect the Uttar Pradesh government’s digital infrastructure against cyber threats. The institute’s Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Hub, C3iHub, will lead the establishment and operation of the Uttar Pradesh Cyber Security Operations Centre (UP-CSOC). The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved an estimated budget of Rs 104.28 crore for the project, which also includes operational and maintenance expenses.
The project received approval at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Under the initiative, C3iHub will operate and maintain the centre for an initial period of three years. The objective is to strengthen the security of the state government’s digital systems and establish a centralised mechanism for identifying cyber threats and responding to them promptly.
24/7 Monitoring of Government Digital Systems
The proposed UP-CSOC will provide round-the-clock monitoring of the state’s government digital infrastructure, including government networks, applications, data and critical information systems. As public services and administrative operations increasingly rely on digital platforms, cybersecurity has become a key priority. The centre will help government departments identify suspicious activities, assess emerging cyber threats and coordinate responses to cyber incidents.
The centre will also monitor systems across Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments. Its functions will include vulnerability management, threat assessment and investigation of cyber incidents. Post-incident analysis will help identify security gaps and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents occurring in the future.
AI and Machine Learning Technologies to Be Deployed
The UP-CSOC 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) to identify cyber threats and coordinate responses.
The system will use threat intelligence to assess potential cybersecurity risks and prioritise them based on their possible impact. It will also facilitate coordination with Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and nodal officers across various government departments. The project will include cybersecurity training, vulnerability assessments, cyber drills and periodic independent security audits to improve preparedness across departments.
C3iHub Has Worked with Key Institutions
According to IIT Kanpur, C3iHub has previously deployed Security Operations Centre capabilities for several organisations, including the Steel Authority of India Limited’s (SAIL) Bhilai Steel Plant, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Indian Ports Association.
Through these projects, the hub has gained experience in continuous monitoring of digital systems associated with critical infrastructure, identifying cyber threats and responding to security incidents. This expertise will now be used to establish a centralised cybersecurity framework at the state level in Uttar Pradesh.
The initiative is expected to improve coordination among government departments on cybersecurity matters and strengthen the security of digital services across the state.
