Maharashtra Leads in Cyber Security Control Systems –

 Maharashtra Leads in Cyber Security Control Systems

– Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar

Launch of ‘Ring the Bell for Security’ Campaign

 

Mumbai, Sept. 25 – With the rapid rise of Digital India and digital transactions, Maharashtra has emerged as a model state for digitally progressive nations across the globe. The state has taken a lead in establishing a strong cyber security control system, said Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar.

 

To promote digital safety and ensure secure cyber transactions for all, the ‘Ring the Bell for Security’ campaign, organized by the Data Security Council of India, was inaugurated today at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) by Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shelar highlighted that along with the initiatives of the Maharashtra Cyber Department launched in 2016, the state has also introduced the ‘Golden Data Project’. Under this project, data of 12 crore verified citizens has been recorded, eliminating the need for multiple passwords or certifications for every transaction. This initiative will serve as a major boost to cyber security in the state.

 

He further emphasized that cyber security awareness must not remain confined to urban areas but should also reach citizens in rural and semi-urban regions. Collaboration among industry, educational institutions, and government is crucial in this effort. "This is the right time to build a digital resilience system—industry must invest, academic institutions must design relevant curricula, the government must establish robust mechanisms, and citizens must remain vigilant," Shelar said.

 

Stressing the gravity of the issue, he added that cyber security today is as crucial as border security, especially in the age of digital transactions, e-governance, and artificial intelligence. India currently has over 70 crore internet users and 120 crore mobile subscribers. Alarmingly, cybercrimes in the last five years have risen by 400%. On average, 702 cyber threats are reported every minute in the country, while 12 new cyber attacks occur every second. Hence, building a strong and sustainable cyber security infrastructure is the need of the hour, he stated.