In a major initiative to combat cyber crimes, Karnataka Government has roped in Infosys foundation, the philanthropic arm of Infosys, on Tuesday and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Data Security Council of India (DSCI) for setting up the Centre for Cybercrime Investigation Training & Research (CCITR) .As part of this MoU, the Infosys Foundation will support the establishment of the Centre that will house the CCITR through a public-private-partnership model.
The CCITR aims to train police, prosecution, judiciary and other departments in handling technology investigations and create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in cybercrime investigations. The center will also be used to perform research in digital forensics and cybercrime investigation that will improve the prosecution of cybercrime cases investigated by the Karnataka Police.
Infosys Foundation Chairperson Sudha Murty said CCITR is a project for the present and the future, aiming to build the state-of-the-art facilities to tackle cyber and forensic crimes in Karnataka.
"Once operational, it will be a proud milestone for CID and DSCI to curb misuse and unethical use of technology to create distress and uneasiness for fellow beings, "she said. “The CCITR is a project for the present and the future; aiming to build state of the art facilities to tackle cyber and forensic crimes in Karnataka. Infosys Foundation is proud to contribute to this project. Once operational, it will be a proud milestone for the CID and the DSCI to curb misuse and unethical use of technology to create distress and uneasiness for fellow beings, she added.”
Under the MoU, the Infosys Foundation will support the setup cost and associated facility management and operational costs, including maintenance of equipment and their fittings, the capital investment for hardware, software and working capital requirements for conducting training programs, conferences and digital forensic analysis, Technological infrastructure by providing specialized tools and incurring relevant licensing costs, Upgradation of the existing cyber lab for a period of five years.
“Cyberspace has turned out to be the world’s largest ungoverned space demolishing all geographical boundaries. Crimes using cyberspace will be the biggest organised crime in the times to come. Law enforcement agencies need to proactively get equipped in terms of hardware, software and expertise to face this challenge", said Praveen Sood, Director General of Police, CID, Karnataka.
“DSCI continues its commitment to build the capacity of law enforcement in handling cybercrimes through our Cyber Forensics initiative. The Cybercrime investigation manuals developed by DSCI are acting as reference material for the police, prosecution and judiciary in handling cybercrimes. DSCI is pleased to partner with Infosys Foundation in scaling up the capacity building efforts and setting up the Centre for Cybercrime Investigation Training and Research at CID Headquarters which would enhance the investigation capabilities of Karnataka State Police,” said Rama Vedashree, CEO, Data Security Council of India.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home minister G Parameshwara, stressed the need for such a lab to detect crimes in an effective and quick manner. The required training for the personnel would be ensured by inviting cyber experts from other countries, he said.