Khaki Hats to protect State’s computer networks

Wing comprising police officers to have latest tools

The State police will raise a specialised force of certified ethical hackers to protect Kerala’s critical information infrastructure from rapidly evolving global cybersecurity threats.

Top officials said the force, dubbed Khaki Hats (KH), would comprise solely of selected police officers proficient in evaluating the security of computer networks using the latest infiltration software.

The recent ‘wanna cry’ ransomware attack that locked out individual users and crucial services from their computers in May has prompted the law enforcement to assemble at least three KH units. The attack largely bypassed Kerala. However, officials said new variants of the malware were fast emerging.

Hackers often intrude into critical information networks, lie hidden for a protracted period, and syphon off crucial data without triggering an alarm.

Artificial intelligence

The KH will have the latest inventory of cyber tools, including those powered by artificial intelligence, to detect and mitigate such intrusions.

Ideally, the Kerala Police desire KH to be part of an established arrangement for international cooperation in cybercrime investigation. It would help the unit unravel cyber criminals who obscure their real identity to mislead investigators on their actual geographical position.

With the State poised to increase its IT footprint, officials said private firms and individual entrepreneurs were vulnerable to having their data hijacked, and products, stolen. Hackers also used the latest software to affect market price manipulations and mask insider trading.

Vulnerable sectors

The banking sector is particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks.

In October 2016, an estimated 32 lakh credit cards issued by leading banks were compromised. Organised hackers operating under the aegis of hostile States targeted Kerala government websites, often defacing them and disrupting service delivery.

State Police Chief Loknath Behera and Inspector General of Police Manoj Abraham are implementing the programme. Institute of Management in Government is a partner.