AI-powered cyber security hub: BESCOM’s ₹30 crore shield to protect Karnataka’s power network

First-of-its-kind Cyber Security Operations Centre to secure IT and operational systems as BESCOM accelerates digital transformation and smart meter rollout.

In a major step to strengthen digital security and protect critical power infrastructure, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd (BESCOM) has proposed the establishment of a dedicated Cyber Security Operations Centre (C-SOC) at its head office near KR Circle in Bengaluru. This initiative comes amid a sharp rise in cyber threats targeting essential services across India.

BESCOM has floated a tender for the design, implementation, and long-term operation of this advanced facility. The centre will safeguard both Information Technology (IT) systems and Operational Technology (OT) networks, which control field-level power distribution equipment. Officials say this move is crucial as the utility rapidly expands smart meter installations and shifts toward automated and digital operations.

A senior official confirmed that this will be BESCOM’s first full-scale Security Operations Centre, equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies. These tools will allow the system to detect cyber threats instantly and respond in real time, helping prevent disruptions to power supply and data breaches.

Also Read:₹6-crore high-tech parking revamp transforms Bengaluru’s KR Market experience

The C-SOC will monitor a wide range of cyber risks, including vulnerability scans, password attacks, malware infections, unauthorised system access, network intrusions, and denial-of-service (DoS and DDoS) attacks. It will also be integrated with BESCOM’s mobile applications, websites, and cloud-based platforms to ensure complete digital protection.

The project has an estimated cost of ₹30 crore. Of this, ₹3.6 crore will be spent on initial setup and software licensing. Around ₹16.1 crore is earmarked for maintenance and technical subscriptions, while ₹9.9 crore will go towards skilled manpower and operational staffing.

The security framework will follow a layered architecture, clearly separating corporate IT systems from field-level OT networks to reduce the risk of cross-network cyber breaches. Advanced analytics, behavioural monitoring, and global threat intelligence feeds will continuously analyse data from servers, endpoints, operational controllers, IoT devices, and cloud systems.

Also Read:Multi-crore KIADB site scam: Entrepreneurs allege cheating using swamiji and ministers’ names

The selected vendor will be responsible for end-to-end implementation. The facility will include analyst workstations, a real-time monitoring video wall, secure server rooms, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, high-capacity storage, and redundant network connectivity to ensure uninterrupted operations.

BESCOM supplies electricity to more than 20 million consumers across eight districts of Karnataka. With increasing automation and digitisation, officials anticipate that cyber threats will become more complex. The new C-SOC aims to provide a strong digital defence layer to ensure safe, reliable, and uninterrupted power services across the region.