Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan emphasized the urgent need for homegrown solutions to combat the escalating wave of cybercrime. His remarks came during the inauguration of c0c0n 2025, the Kerala Police’s annual cybersecurity conference held in Kochi.
Mohan highlighted that the issue extends beyond conventional cyber offenses, encompassing a surge in ‘cyber-dependent’ crimes like hacking, malware attacks, and online denial-of-service incidents, all of which necessitate robust, domestically developed defenses.
Speaking to an international audience of senior police officials, technology experts, and delegates, Mohan pointed out that a significant hurdle in solving these cases is the difficulty in accurately identifying the perpetrators.
Common Tools Used by Cybercriminals
He elaborated that cybercriminals exploit three primary tools to mask their identities: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), the conversion of illicit financial gains into cryptocurrency, and the clandestine environment of the dark web.
Mohan specifically noted that VPNs are increasingly utilized by a wide spectrum of criminals, including those involved in narcotics, sexual offenses, human trafficking, and terrorism. He assured the audience, stating, “While these challenges are formidable, our response is swift and effective. We are resolute in preventing cybercrime from undermining national security and are fully committed to protecting our citizens. Both state and central governments are united in this effort.”
State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar, also addressing the conference, emphasized that cybersecurity has transcended its technical definition to become a fundamental concern for public safety and national sovereignty.
Chandrasekhar highlighted the pervasive digitization of government services—from financial transactions to emergency responses—stressing that while this transformation is essential, it concurrently amplifies threats and vulnerabilities. He asserted, “Cyberattacks are no longer random or isolated incidents.” He concluded by mentioning Kerala’s adoption of a “multi-pronged and proactive approach” to manage these emerging crises.
The inaugural session was chaired by MP Hibi Eden and saw attendance from several distinguished figures, including Manoj Abraham (Director General of Police and Director Vigilance), S. Sreejith (Additional Director General of Police), P. Prakash (Inspector General of Police), Putta Vimaladitya (District Police Chief, Kochi City), Ankit Asokan (Superintendent of Police, Cyber Operations), and representatives from Childlight, a leading global child safety institute.