Karnataka earmarks Rs 104 crore for cyber security

The policy focuses on several key areas, including awareness and education, skill building, promotion of industry and startups, and partnerships and collaborations for capacity building

The Karnataka government has allocated Rs 104 crore for cybersecurity over the next five years to combat and raise awareness against online crime.

Unveiling the Cyber Security Policy 2024 on August 1, the government said Rs 23.7 crore was being set aside for incentives and concessions.

The policy focuses on key areas such as as awareness and education, skill-building, promotion of industry and startups, and partnerships and collaborations for capacity building.

The policy has two parts. The first, which is public, aims to build a cybersecurity ecosystem across society (public, academia, industry, startups, and the government). The second, which is internal, will focus on strengthening the state's IT assets.

Also, read: Karnataka govt approves cyber security policy

Under an internship programme, a stipend of Rs 10,000-15,000 a month would be given for a maximum of three months to Karnataka-based undergraduate and postgraduate interns.

The target is to facilitate 600 undergraduate interns and 120 postgraduate interns during the policy period.

For R&D projects in the domain of cybersecurity, driven by Karnataka-based startups in collaboration with Karnataka-based academic institutes, a matching grant of up to a maximum of 50 percent of the total project R&D cost, or up to Rs 50 lakh, would be provided.

Also, read: Karnataka government’s fact-check unit to combat fake news now operational

Reimbursement of the cost up to a maximum of Rs 1 lakh will be available towards engagement of Karnataka-based, CERT-In empanelled service providers by startups registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell for cybersecurity audits.

The policy was drafted by the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (e-Governance), and the Home Department in consultation with stakeholders.

To oversee its implementation, a high-powered Cyber Security Committee has been constituted headed by the additional chief secretary.

Also, read: Infosys Foundation grants Rs 33 cr to Karnataka police to fight cybercrimes

Karnataka signs MoU with Cisco

The Karnataka government has signed an MoU with Cisco to train 40,000 people in cybersecurity skills, with a goal of 50 percent women participants.

“The Cisco skilling programme provides unemployed graduates with critical cybersecurity skills, enhancing their employability and career opportunities,” said IT minister Priyank Kharge said.

Also, read: Karnataka govt, Meta kickstart online safety programmes in colleges