Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan here on Friday said that the nation must stand united to tackle cybersecurity threats in India, stressing the importance of collective vigilance and coordinated action across all sectors of society.

He was speaking after inaugurating COCON 2025, the annual cybersecurity conference organised by the Kerala Police in Kochi. The event brings together cybersecurity professionals, law enforcement agencies, and technology experts to discuss emerging digital challenges and strategies to protect India’s cyber ecosystem.

Mohan pointed out that cybercrime is on the rise globally, even as new defensive measures are being put in place by governments and private enterprises. He noted that the increasing dependence on digital systems, AI-powered automation, and online transactions has created new vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are exploiting at an unprecedented scale.

He said that, along with offences such as digital arrest and financial fraud, cyber-dependent crimes such as data theft, ransomware, and hacking of critical systems are also on the rise. These evolving threats demand stronger legal frameworks, faster incident response mechanisms, and better public awareness about online security practices.

“Investigation agencies must act vigilantly, but the public must also remain alert to cybercrime,” Mohan said, urging citizens to verify information, safeguard personal data, and immediately report suspicious online activities. He added that cybersecurity should not remain the sole responsibility of the government—it must become a national movement involving individuals, institutions, and industries alike.

The inaugural session of the conference was presided over by MP Hibi Eden, while State Police Chief and DGP Revada Chandrashekhar delivered the keynote address, highlighting Kerala’s proactive role in cybersecurity innovation.

During the ceremony, Mohan also released a booklet titled “National Strategy Against Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse,” which was brought out by the Kerala Police. The document outlines preventive strategies and collaborative frameworks to combat online child exploitation and ensure safer digital spaces for children.

COCON is an annual conference that discusses key topics such as information security, data protection, privacy, and cyber law enforcement. It is attended by representatives from major corporate firms, government organisations, investigation agencies, academia, research institutions, and cybersecurity experts from across the country and abroad.

As part of the event, a variety of technical, non-technical, legal, and community sessions are being held to raise awareness about safe online practices, cyber hygiene, and digital responsibility. The two-day conference aims to create a platform where experts can share insights, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend policy-level interventions to strengthen India’s cyber defense posture.

The conference will conclude on Saturday, marking another step toward building a secure, resilient, and collaborative digital future for India.