Police Cyber Security Operations Centre launched to combat digital threats

Police has inaugurated the first ever Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), a specialized facility aimed at identifying and mitigating digital threats and cybercrimes within the country.

The establishment of the CSOC was supported by the United Arab Emirates.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key officials, including UAE's Cyber Security Chief Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, and Home Minister Ali Ihusaan.

Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen highlighted the historic significance of the CSOC's opening for the police force, stating, "This is not just the opening of a facility, but the beginning of a new initiative to protect our country's digital space." He emphasized that the centre will function as the nation's "shield and watch tower" in the cyber domain, actively identifying, responding to, preventing, and reducing cybercrimes.

Naveen underscored the evolving nature of national security, noting that it now extends beyond physical police work to encompass the ability to counter threats in the unseen cyberspace. He affirmed that the CSOC will ensure the country's comprehensive readiness to address any cyber threat.

Expressing gratitude for the UAE's assistance in establishing the centre, Naveen described it as a testament to the friendship between the two nations. He also thanked Minister Ihusaan for his contributions to realizing the project.

In parallel with the CSOC launch, a foundation stone for a state-of-the-art data centre was laid on Monday, with the support of the UAE CyberSecurity Council. This data centre is designed to digitize police operations and enhance their law enforcement capabilities.

The rise of digital crimes, including fraudulent extortion and app hacking, has become a growing concern in the Maldives, with an increasing number of such cases reported recently. The CSOC is expected to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.