Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has launched a ‘Cyber Commando Training Program’ to enhance India’s cybersecurity readiness.
It is a specialised six-month residential course designed by the IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub to equip participants with cutting-edge skills in cybersecurity.
The initiative is collaboration between the Union Home Ministry and the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The launch ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO of I4C, MHA; Mr. Mayank Ghildiyal, Deputy Director of I4C, MHA; Dr. Tanima Hajra, Interim CEO and COO; Mr. A.K. Mishra, CFO; and Mr. Rohit Negi, CSO of C3iHub.
Under the program, a specialised unit of trained cyber commandos will be established within the States/Union Territories (UTs) and Central Police Organisations (CPOs) to address the growing threats in the nation’s cybersecurity landscape.
The cyber commandos will assist States/UTs and central agencies in safeguarding the digital space.
“The collaboration between C3iHub, I4C, and the Union Home Ministry reflects our shared commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce capable of responding to the growing sophistication of cyber threats facing the country,” IIT Kanpur acting director Prof Amalendu Chandra said.
Prof. Sandeep K Shukla, Program Director of C3iHub, said these professionals will serve in critical roles, from conducting security assessments to responding to cyber incidents, ensuring that our institutions are well-protected.
C3iHub is a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) established at the IIT Kanpur, and funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems.
C3iHub detects security vulnerabilities in critical cyber-physical systems, develops security tools to address the vulnerabilities, nucleates start-ups and partners with industries to commercialise the security tools, and provides training to the next generation of cybersecurity researchers.
Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to deal with cybercrime in the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.