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Maharashtra's project to fight cyber crime hits security snag

The IT department is flooded with concerns regarding possible security issues in purchasing the equipments for the proposed lab.

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The state government's ambitious Rs 800 crore project to fight cyber crime has hit a technical hurdle. The Information and Technology (I-T) department is flooded with concerns over possible security issues in purchasing the equipment for the proposed laboratory at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The lab is scheduled to start by the end of this year.

Sources in the I-T department said the purchase of software and cyber-related equipment has to be done with utmost care, and despite several meetings to discuss the process that needs to be followed, no consensus has been reached.

"Such sensitive equipment cannot be purchased through standard tendering process. The department, however, is not at ease with making a direct purchase from a single source without any clear directions. The departments are working on a solution and the issue won't linger for sure," said a senior government officer.

Sources also claimed that there were strict directions from the Centre that restricted the purchase of any Chinese hardware or software, due to security concerns. The proposed cyber project is expected to comprise of three parts – cyber labs, Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and a training centre. The department aims to train at least 1,000 police personnel in cases of cyber crime. Consultant company PwC, with which the department has a seven-year contract, is studying the project.

A plan to sensitise judges and public prosecutors regarding cyber crimes and evidence gathering is also afoot. "Unlike murder or theft, cyber crimes have an electronic trail instead of eye witnesses. Most of the times, the accused goes scot-free because an electronic trail alone is not considered sufficient proof. Hence, the plan to sensitise judges and prosecutors," said a state government official.

As per data, the highest number of cyber crimes are registered in Maharashtra, but the state has a shockingly dismal record of conviction. Of the thousands of arrests made, the state has managed to convict just one person, according to a senior Mumbai police officer. In the last four years, there has not been a single conviction. To make matters worse, 16 of those who were arrested have been acquitted.
 

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