Kochi: India must build its own technological defences to counter the rapidly growing menace of cybercrime, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan said while inaugurating c0c0n 2025 — the annual cybersecurity conference of the Kerala Police — at the Grand Hyatt on Friday.

Mohan warned that cybercrime is on the rise globally, with attacks evolving faster than defensive measures. “The more defensive measures are taken, the more cyber-attacks increase. It is in this context that cyber security conferences like c0c0n gain importance,” he said. He added that apart from well-known offences like digital arrest scams, cyber-dependency crimes, where individuals and systems become dangerously reliant on digital platforms, are also increasing. He urged both the public and investigative agencies to remain vigilant against this growing threat.

Highlighting the difficulty in identifying perpetrators, Mohan said cybercriminals easily conceal their identities using tools such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), cryptocurrency, and the dark web. These technologies have become integral not just to financial fraud but to a wide range of criminal networks, including drug syndicates, sexual offenders, traffickers, and terrorists, he said. Despite these challenges, he asserted that both the central and state governments are united in their mission to ensure national cyber safety. “While the challenges are grave, our response is equally swift and equally effective,” he said.

In his keynote address, state police chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar called for a fundamental shift in how cybersecurity is perceived, noting that it has evolved from a technical discipline to a matter of public safety and national sovereignty. “Cyber security is no longer a technical issue, but a matter of public safety and national sovereignty,” he said. With governance now deeply embedded in digital infrastructure, Chandrasekhar said that vulnerabilities have expanded exponentially. Kerala has adopted a multi-pronged, proactive framework to anticipate and counter these evolving risks, he added.

The two-day Cocon conference, described as the nation’s foremost platform for discussing new discoveries, possibilities, and threats in the digital realm, will address the global rise in organised cybercrime and the emerging challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence. It brings together international experts, investigative agency officials, and professionals from critical sectors such as banking, finance, healthcare, and government to formulate robust defensive strategies.

The opening day featured a spectacular drone demonstration, showcasing technologies for national security, military applications, and agricultural innovation. The inaugural function was chaired by Hibi Eden MP, and attended by senior officials, including State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau Director Manoj Abraham, ADGP S Sreejith, IG P Prakash, Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya, and Cyber Operations SP Ankit Asokan, along with representatives from the Global Child Safety Institute Childlight.

The conference concludes on Saturday, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan scheduled to inaugurate the closing ceremony.