Enhancing India's defences against the rising tide of cyber threats, IIT Kanpur has launched the "Cyber Commando Training Programme," a comprehensive six-month residential course designed to cultivate a new generation of cybersecurity experts. This initiative is vital to the Government of India's ongoing efforts to fortify national security in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
The program has been developed in collaboration with the Union Home Ministry and the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), reflecting a concerted effort to bolster the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities. The primary aim of this initiative is to establish a specialized unit of cyber commandos within various States, Union Territories (UTs), and Central Police Organisations (CPOs). These trained professionals will safeguard the country’s cyber ecosystem and respond effectively to potential threats.
At the launch ceremony, Professor Amalendu Chandra, the Acting Director of IIT Kanpur, underscored the significance of this program in enhancing India’s cybersecurity infrastructure. He remarked, "The Cyber Commando Training Programme is crucial for protecting our digital infrastructure," he stated. "This collaboration between C3iHub, I4C, and the Union Home Ministry reflects our commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce capable of responding to sophisticated cyber threats." As quoted by India Today.
Echoing these sentiments, Professor Sandeep K Shukla, the Programme Director of C3iHub at IIT Kanpur, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. He elaborated on its broader objectives: "This training is about building a resilient and proactive cybersecurity framework for India. Our trained professionals will conduct security assessments, respond to cyber incidents, and ensure the protection of our institutions."
The program's inaugural cohort comprises 38 officials hailing from various Central and State police forces. These participants will engage in an intensive and hands-on training regimen that covers a wide array of cybersecurity topics. The curriculum will equip them with the tools and techniques to tackle complex cyber threats, manage security incidents effectively, and implement robust defence strategies across multiple sectors.
This Cyber Commando Training Programme represents a pivotal advancement in India’s quest to strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities. By investing in the training of skilled professionals, IIT Kanpur aims to play a significant role in safeguarding the nation’s digital future, thereby enhancing its resilience against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
