Amid rising online fraud cases in Maharashtra, the state Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday, October 11, inaugurated an advanced cybercrime command centre -- 'MahaCyber' -- the Maharashtra Cyber Security Project at Mahape, Navi Mumbai.
With a state-of-the-art facility, the newly inaugurated centre will be equipped with the latest technology to tackle any cyber threat. It would enhance online security in the state.
Hon. Deputy CM Shri @Dev_Fadnavis today inaugurated the Maharashtra Cyber Security Project at Mahape, Navi Mumbai.
— Maharashtra Cyber (@MahaCyber1) October 11, 2024
With a state-of-the-art facility, the newly inaugurated centre will be equipped with the latest technology to tackle any cyber threat.#CyberSafeMaharashtra pic.twitter.com/aRXGjiPKKC
The deputy CM said the centre is the result of the “transformative” Maharashtra Cyber Security Project that the state undertook to tackle the growing number of fraudulent schemes on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook and other cyber threats.
Launch of Maharashtra Cyber - India’s first and one of a kind 'Cyber Security Project' to secure Maharashtra's digital future through world-class cyber security!
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) October 11, 2024
जागतिक दर्जाच्या सायबर सुरक्षेद्वारे महाराष्ट्राचे डिजिटल भविष्य सुरक्षित करणारे भारतातील पहिले 'सायबर सिक्युरिटी… pic.twitter.com/e8qDklBbIG
It will be India's first state-level cybercrime command and control centre, having multiple channels of cybercrime reporting.
To secure Maharashtra's digital future through advanced online security, 5000 police personnel will be trained annually under the Maha Cyber Security project.
Additionally, a dedicated helpline of the cybercrime command centre – 14407 – was announced. The centre is scheduled to start functioning at full capacity from October 15.
As per reports, Maharashtra cyber cell received around 1,000 calls of cybercrimes on a daily basis and from the year 2023 there has been a sharp rise of 94 per cent in cyber fraud cases.
In Maharashtra, Navi Mumbai in particular has reported a high number of cybercrimes and Maharashtra's first cyber cell was also established in Nerul. The Navi Mumbai police had also started a 'Cyber Warrior' initiative in 2023.