Kochi: As the government's way of functioning relies more on digital technology, it's crucial to take protective steps in advance against digital threats, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Addressing the closing ceremony of cOcOn 2025, the cybersecurity conference organised by Kerala Police at Kochi’s Grand Hyatt, Vijayan said that the current scenario presented a situation where cyber-crimes are a big threat. 

“Cyber security is a matter of great concern not just to the general public or the industry, but also to law enforcement agencies and governments. It is in this context that cOcOn assumes greater significance as it aims to find solutions to cyber threats. It has strengthened the critical link between cybersecurity and national security. It emphasises the necessity of protecting cyberspace for economic stability, citizen safety, and state sovereignty,” Vijayan said. 

Vijayn added that the 18th edition of cOcOn was based on Kerala's efforts in cyber capacity building and child protection technology. It has placed the state at the forefront of global discussions on AI, digital forensics, and public sector cyber resilience. 

“The cybercrime figures released by Interpol and NCRB clearly point out that our children and youth are under constant threat in the cyber world, and if digital devices and services are not used with caution, they may become victims of cybercrimes. Both children and parents need to be educated on the safety measures to be taken before using social networking sites. We hope that cOcOn addressed this problem in detail and suggested innovative strategies to deal with it,” Vijayan said. 

The event has attracted participation from over twenty countries, drawing leading experts, law enforcement officers, researchers, and industry innovators. cOcOn 2025 comprised artificial intelligence, law enforcement agencies, track, victim identification and digital forensics training, child protection and child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) strategy, etc. 

This year, the RC (Radio-Controlled) Engineering Village was introduced as a new innovation zone dedicated to radio-frequency, drone, and telemetry-based engineering applications. It included demonstrations on the use of remote-control platforms for aerial systems, signal interception, surveillance, disaster response, and counter-drone technologies.  
The RC Village also benefited student participants from engineering institutions to foster practical innovation and skill development in radio systems and autonomous devices related to national security. 

The conference was a platform to exhibit, discuss, understand, and raise awareness about the latest trends in cyber and high-tech crimes, with a special mention of women and children. It aimed to provide a networking platform for government institutions, investigative agencies, academic and research institutions, and industry bodies for better coordination in making the cyber world a better and safer place. 

Industries Minister P Rajeeve presided over the function, which was attended by Kochi mayor M Anil Kumar, Vypeen MLA KN Unnikrishnan, state police chief and DGP Ravada A Chandrasekhar, state vigilance chief and DGP Manoj Abraham, ADGP S Sreejith, IG P Prakash, cyber operations SP Ankit Ashokan, among others.