Jyoti
G-INews, KANPUR — January 3, 2026 — In a major move to secure India’s critical industrial infrastructure, C3iHub, the cybersecurity wing of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, has officially deployed a state-of-the-art Security Operations Center (SOC) at the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP).The facility was inaugurated today by Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, and Shri C. R. Mahapatra, Director In-Charge of SAIL Bhilai Steel Plant.
The launch marks a pivotal shift toward “Industry 4.0” readiness for the steel giant, ensuring that its massive production lines remain resilient against digital threats.Bridging the Gap Between IT and OTAs modern factories become more connected, the line between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT)—the hardware and software that controls physical machinery—has blurred. While this connectivity boosts efficiency, it also opens doors for cyber-attacks on critical systems like SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition).
The C3iHub SOC acts as the plant’s “digital nerve center,” providing 24/7 monitoring and real-time threat detection. By integrating advanced machine learning and expert oversight, the center can identify and neutralize threats before they disrupt production or compromise worker safety. ”Safeguarding critical infrastructure is of prime importance for uninterrupted operations,” said Prof. Manindra Agrawal. “C3iHub’s SOC reflects IIT Kanpur’s commitment to translating advanced cybersecurity research into practical, high-impact solutions that safeguard national assets.
“Key Features of the New SOCThe deployment at Bhilai Steel Plant isn’t just a monitoring station; it is a comprehensive defense suite designed for the unique rigors of a steel manufacturing environment.A Model for National ResilienceThe successful “go-live” of this project is seen as a benchmark for future collaborations between academia and heavy industry. Dr. Tanima Hajra, CEO of C3iHub, and Shri M. P. Singh, GM (IT) of BSP, noted that the seamless execution of the project underscores C3iHub’s readiness to protect India’s broader critical infrastructure sectors, from power grids to manufacturing hubs.By securing the Bhilai Steel Plant—one of India’s largest and most vital industrial assets—C3iHub is reinforcing the nation’s cyber resilience and ensuring that the future of Indian industry is as secure as it is innovative.
