Telangana Unveils SHIELD 2025 Cybersecurity Conclave with Groundbreaking Initiatives to Strengthen Digital Resilience
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Hyderabad, February 18, 2025 – Telangana’s premier cybersecurity conclave, SHIELD 2025, was inaugurated with great success at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) on February 17. The event, a collaboration between the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), Cyberabad Police, and the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC), was officially launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Anumula Revanth Reddy. The inauguration was attended by prominent figures, including Shri D. Shridhar Babu, Minister for IT & Industries; Shri Ravi Gupta, IPS, Special Chief Secretary, Home Department; Dr. Jitender, IPS, Director General of Police; Smt. Shikha Goel, IPS, Director General CID & I/C Director, TGCSB; Shri Avinash Mohanty, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad; and Shri Ramesh Kaza, Secretary General, SCSC.
The two-day conclave, with an overwhelming turnout of 900 delegates, brought together leaders from law enforcement, government, academia, industry, and cybersecurity experts. The event was notable for its diverse participation, including senior officers from 14 states, global tech leaders, cybersecurity professionals, and students, creating a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Keynote Address and Strategic Initiatives
In his keynote address, Chief Minister Shri Revanth Reddy highlighted the growing challenges posed by cyber threats in Telangana’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. He underscored the importance of cyber resilience in safeguarding businesses, government systems, and citizens. He also praised the proactive efforts of the TGCSB, particularly its role in developing the Centralized Cybercrime Portal, which is now operational in 27 states, and its success in refunding ₹183 crores to 18,000 victims in 2024.
Emphasizing the need for robust collaboration between the government, law enforcement, academia, and the private sector, the Chief Minister called for a future-ready cybersecurity framework, leveraging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud security to strengthen Telangana’s digital infrastructure.
Announcement of Key Initiatives
A major highlight of the event was the announcement by Shri D. Shridhar Babu, IT Minister, regarding the creation of the Telangana Cyber Defence Center (TGCDC). This initiative aims to protect police departments and government agencies against cyber threats, acting as a centralized hub for monitoring and responding to cyber risks.
Shri Ravi Gupta, Special Chief Secretary, Home Department, stressed the critical need for cybersecurity preparedness across government services, given the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats. He emphasized the state’s commitment to adopting innovative security policies and ensuring swift action against cyber risks.
Technological Innovations and Collaborations
Dr. Jitender, DGP of Telangana, recognized the achievements of TGCSB in victim restitution and the use of cutting-edge AI-driven tools like Crime OS for enhancing cybercrime detection. He also stressed the importance of specialized task forces and advanced training to tackle emerging cyber threats such as ransomware and AI-powered cyberattacks.
Smt. Shikha Goel, Director of TGCSB, focused on the rising threats of AI-driven cybercrime and deepfakes. She announced new collaborations with institutions like IIT Hyderabad, NALSAR, and ISB to drive research, policy reforms, and skill development in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity’s Mainstream Role in Law Enforcement
Shri Avinash Mohanty, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad, and Chairman of SCSC, discussed the growing importance of cybersecurity in law enforcement. He emphasized that it is no longer a niche concern but a critical law enforcement priority that requires cooperation between police forces, the private sector, and academic institutions.
Introduction of SHIELD 2025 Action Framework
The inaugural session set the tone for the conclave, which was designed to move beyond theoretical discussions. One of the key outcomes was the virtual launch of the Cyber Fusion Center (CFC), Cyber Protection Unit (CPU), and Security Operations Center (SOC). These units will play a vital role in fortifying Telangana’s cybersecurity infrastructure, focusing on real-time threat monitoring and rapid incident response.
Technology Experience Zone (TEZ)
A standout feature of SHIELD 2025 was the Technology Experience Zone (TEZ), where delegates could engage with next-generation cybersecurity technologies. This included AI-driven threat detection, digital forensics, facial recognition, and immersive AR/VR training modules for cybersecurity professionals. Attendees also had the opportunity to witness live cyberattack simulations and interact with AI-powered humanoids, offering a glimpse into the future of cybersecurity.
SHIELD 2025’s Impact and Vision
SHIELD 2025 is poised to be a transformative platform, fostering collaboration among government agencies, private sector leaders, and academia to build a more resilient digital ecosystem. With its focus on real-world solutions and strategic partnerships, the conclave serves as a critical step in securing Telangana’s digital future. The event also marked a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities and ensure a safer online environment for all its citizens.
