Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh — In a major boost to digital safety for pilgrims, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board has granted approval for establishing a state-of-the-art Cyber Security Lab atop the sacred Tirumala hills. The initiative aims to shield devotees from the mounting threat of online scams.
This move comes against the backdrop of a surge in fraudulent websites impersonating TTD, offering fake darshan ticket bookings, Srivari Seva passes, prasadam orders, accommodation, and even masquerading as officials to dupe pilgrims. Officials flagged worrying cases of insider misuse of sensitive data and the spread of misinformation via social media.
“Devotee safety in the digital realm is non-negotiable,” stated TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, underscoring the urgency behind this laboratory. The approved plan envisions a fully equipped in-house facility—boasting sophisticated hardware, security software, and specialized tools—to detect, monitor, and neutralize cyberthreats swiftly and independently.
Crucially, this initiative reduces TTD’s reliance on external agencies for cyber-security matters and builds institutional expertise. The project now moves to a detailed planning phase, where manpower requirements, cost structures, and infrastructure needs will be meticulously assessed before final implementation.
TTD’s cyber strategy forms part of a broader tech-forward agenda to streamline pilgrim services. Recently, the board approved both a third Vaikuntam Queue Complex to ease crowding and AI-driven systems aimed at managing pilgrim inflow and enhancing darshan experiences.
As TTD steps up efforts to guard spiritual sanctity and digital integrity, pilgrims can look forward to a safer, smarter, and more secure spiritual journey to Tirumala.
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