Kanpur, January 03, 2026: C3iHub, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has successfully deployed and gone live with a state-of-the-art Security Operations Center (SOC) at Steel Authority of India Limited – Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP). This milestone marks a significant step toward strengthening the cybersecurity posture of one of India’s most critical industrial infrastructures.

The newly established SOC facility was formally inaugurated by Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, and Shri C. R. Mahapatra, Director In-Charge, SAIL Bhilai Steel Plant. Dr. Tanima Hajra, CEO of C3iHub, Shri M. P. Singh, GM (IT) of BSP, along with senior officers from C3iHub and BSP were also present during the inauguration ceremony.

During the launch, a comprehensive demonstration of the SOC’s capabilities was presented, showcasing its end-to-end security monitoring and management features. The demonstration and go-live were met with strong appreciation from the BSP, reaffirming C3iHub’s rigorous preparation, seamless execution, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence.

During the inauguration of SOC facility, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, said, “Interconnected systems like SCADA and IoT devices are integral to steel plant operations and hence safeguarding the critical infrastructure is of prime importance for uninterrupted operations. The successful deployment of the Security Operations Center at SAIL Bhilai Steel Plant is a strong example of how academia, technology innovation hubs, and industry can come together to strengthen India’s critical infrastructure. As industrial systems increasingly integrate digital technologies under Industry 4.0, cybersecurity becomes foundational to operational resilience. C3iHub’s SOC reflects IIT Kanpur’s commitment to translating advanced cybersecurity research into practical, high-impact solutions that safeguard national assets and support secure, sustainable industrial growth.”

The C3iHub SOC is designed to enhance both IT and OT cyber resilience, aligning with the evolving requirements of Industry 4.0 environments. Built as a centralized, integrated platform, the SOC enables continuous monitoring, real-time threat detection, and rapid incident response across enterprise and industrial systems. By enabling proactive risk identification and timely response, the SOC will help BSP strengthen its cyber defenses, ensure operational continuity, and safeguard critical industrial assets against evolving cyber threats.

A Security Operations Center (SOC) serves as the nerve center for an organization's cybersecurity efforts, offering 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and incident response capabilities. By leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and expert oversight, SOCs help organizations mitigate risks, comply with regulatory standards, and minimize downtime from cyber incidents. In industrial settings like steel plants, where IT and OT convergence is critical, an SOC ensures proactive defense against threats that could disrupt production or compromise safety.

This deployment reflects C3iHub’s continued mission to translate cutting-edge cybersecurity research into real-world, scalable solutions for India’s critical infrastructure sectors, reinforcing national cyber resilience through innovation, collaboration, and capacity building.

Key capabilities of the C3iHub SOC include:

• 24×7 security monitoring and threat intelligence-driven detection
• Wide coverage of cybersecurity threats across IT and OT environments
• Advanced vulnerability management and risk assessment
• Threat severity analysis and prioritization to support informed decision-making
• Incident investigation, response coordination, and post-incident analysis

For more information about C3iHub ICS Security: https://c3ihub.org/ics-security

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 20 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programs, and three specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 570 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur remains a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigour.

For more information, please visit: www.iitk.ac.in