Telangana Cyber Security Bureau to Host SHIELD-2026 Conclave on AI and Cybercrime
Hyderabad is gearing up for a significant cybersecurity event as the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) prepares to host its annual SHIELD-2026 conclave. This one-day gathering will spotlight the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing the growing challenges of cybercrime. The conclave is scheduled to be inaugurated by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday, marking a key moment in the state's efforts to enhance digital security.
Focus Areas and Discussions
The SHIELD-2026 conclave will delve into a wide range of topics, emphasizing how AI is redefining cyber defense strategies. Key discussion points include the use of technology to prevent online child exploitation and the integration of AI-led innovations in modern policing. According to TGCSB director Shikha Goel, the event will center on cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and effective strategies to combat cybercrime. She noted that police officials from 20 states across India, along with IT experts, industry representatives, non-governmental organizations, and students, are expected to participate, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange.
Exhibitions and Partnerships
In addition to panel discussions, the conclave will feature exhibitions from 16 companies showcasing their hardware and software products. These displays will cover areas such as AI space networking, satellite data centers, AI applications for counter-terrorism, AI camera surveillance for traffic management, and dark web monitoring tools. The Times of India is serving as the official media partner for the second consecutive year, highlighting the event's prominence in the cybersecurity landscape.
Background and Impact
This marks the second year in a row that the TGCSB has organized such a conclave, following a six-week cyber campaign conducted in collaboration with police departments across districts and commissionerates. The bureau has reported positive outcomes from its initiatives, with cybercrime cases in Telangana decreasing by 15% in 2025. Specifically, 23,748 cases were registered in 2024, compared to 20,069 in 2025. Financial losses also saw a reduction, dropping from Rs 1,909 crore to Rs 1,377 crore during this period. Over the past two years, Rs 342 crore has been refunded to victims of cybercrime in the state.
Common Cybercrime Trends
Officials from the TGCSB have identified prevalent cybercrime patterns, noting that the majority of victims fall prey to investment fraud, part-time job scams, and OTP fraud. These types of scams often result in significant financial losses for individuals. The bureau's efforts, including events like the SHIELD conclave, aim to raise awareness and develop robust countermeasures to protect citizens from such threats.
The SHIELD-2026 conclave represents a proactive step by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau to leverage advanced technologies like AI in the fight against cybercrime, reinforcing Hyderabad's position as a hub for cybersecurity innovation and collaboration.
