Hyderabad, Feb 18 (Reporter) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy reaffirmed the state government's commitment to building a robust cybersecurity ecosystem by collaborating with experts, IT firms, and law enforcement agencies. As a chief guest, speaking at the inauguration of the two-day Cyber Security Conclave 2025, SHIELD, organized by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) and the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC) at HICC, Madhapur, here on Tuesday, the Chief Minister stated, "My government has set a goal to make Telangana the number one state in cyber safety in the country." He highlighted the significance of the event in addressing digital security challenges and the future of cybersecurity. "I congratulate the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, Cyberabad Police, and the Society for Cyberabad Security Council for organising this important event," he said. Citing recent research, the Chief Minister revealed that cybercriminals stole Rs 22,812 crore in India last year, posing a significant threat to the economy and citizens. He also warned against the rising menace of fake news and misinformation on social media, which can disrupt societal harmony. Revanth Reddy emphasized the government's efforts to bolster cybersecurity, including the launch of seven new specialized cyber crime police stations in the past year. He urged citizens to utilize the 24/7 cyber helpline 1930 for reporting cyber frauds. "Telangana is one of the few states with a fully operational Cyber Security Bureau and a dedicated cyber crime helpline to protect citizens. We are committed to making Telangana a secure business hub," he stated. He commended the Director General of Police and the Cyber Security Bureau team for their initiatives and called for continued collaboration between law enforcement, academia, and cybersecurity experts to enhance cyber safety in the state. In his guest of honour, IT and Industry Minister D Sridhar Babu welcomed cybersecurity experts and officials from 14 states, highlighting the need for collaboration and sharing best practices to combat digital threats. "As the world looks to India, and Hyderabad in particular, for technological advancements, we must proactively address cybersecurity challenges," he stated. He lauded the efforts of the Cyber Security Bureau in preventing cyber fraud worth Rs 350 crore, recovering Rs 185 crore, and mitigating financial losses. Recognizing the evolving nature of cyber threats, he underscored the importance of indigenous cybersecurity capabilities, reducing reliance on imported security solutions, and investing in AI-driven defenses. The minister also referenced global cyber incidents, including the CrowdStrike attack, which disrupted essential services worldwide, underscoring the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. He stressed that cybersecurity is now a crucial aspect of national security, requiring a shift from traditional approaches to a proactive, technology-driven strategy. He noted that cybercriminals increasingly target data rather than just financial assets, making cybersecurity a top priority for individuals, businesses, and governments. He highlighted that India loses approximately USD 10 trillion annually due to cybercrimes, with reported losses in India exceeding Rs 15,000 crore last year. To address these concerns, Telangana is set to launch a new cybersecurity policy aligned with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Law and establish a Cyber Defense Center (TGCDC) in Hyderabad. The government is also fostering partnerships with multinational companies and academic institutions to enhance cybersecurity awareness and capabilities. The minister emphasised the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, recognizing both its potential benefits and risks. He called for deliberations on AI-driven cyber threats, such as AI-powered malware, phishing, and automated attacks, and stressed the need for proactive AI-based security measures. Additionally, Telangana is investing in data center infrastructure, with a target of achieving one gigawatt of data center capacity, positioning the state as a leader in digital infrastructure. "The digital world is both an opportunity and a threat. We must ensure robust cybersecurity measures to protect our citizens and industries while fostering innovation," he added...////...