• The Cyber Commando Training Program is a key initiative under the Government of India’s ongoing efforts to bolster national security in the digital age. These highly trained professionals will play a pivotal role in securing India's cyber ecosystem and responding to potential threats

Kanpur, 09 October, 2024: In a significant step towards enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity readiness, C3iHub at IIT Kanpur has launched the “Cyber Commando Training Program,” a specialized six-month residential course designed to equip participants with cutting-edge skills in cybersecurity. This initiative is a 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 “Cyber Commando Training Program,” a specialized unit of trained cyber commandos will be established within the States/Union Territories (UTs) and Central Police Organizations (CPOs) to address the growing threats in the nation's cybersecurity landscape. These trained cyber commandos will assist States/UTs and central agencies in safeguarding the digital space.

During the launch, Prof. Amalendu Chandra, Acting Director of IIT Kanpur, highlighted the significance of the initiative in strengthening the nation's cybersecurity, stating, "The Cyber Commando Training Program is a crucial step in India's efforts to protect its digital infrastructure. 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."

Prof. Sandeep K. Shukla, Program Director of C3iHub at IIT Kanpur, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the program, stating, "This training program is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about building a resilient and proactive cybersecurity framework for India. These professionals will serve in critical roles, from conducting security assessments to responding to cyber incidents, ensuring that our institutions are well-protected."

A total of 38 officials from various Central and State police forces will participate in an intensive training program. The participants will receive comprehensive, hands-on training in diverse aspects of cybersecurity, equipping them to address complex cyber threats, manage security incidents, and implement robust defense mechanisms across multiple sectors.

This training program marks a vital step in strengthening India's cybersecurity capabilities. By training skilled professionals, it aims to enhance the nation's resilience against evolving cyber threats.

About C3iHub, IIT Kanpur:

C3iHub is a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) established at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems. C3iHub addresses the cybersecurity of cyber-physical systems in its entirety. C3iHub detects security vulnerabilities in critical cyber-physical systems, develops security tools to address the vulnerabilities, nucleates start-ups and partners with industries to commercialize the security tools, and provides training to the next generation of cybersecurity researchers.

About I4C:

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. I4C focuses on tackling all the issues related to Cybercrime for the citizens, which includes improving coordination between various Law Enforcement Agencies and the stakeholders, driving change in India's overall capability to tackle Cybercrime and to improve citizen satisfaction levels.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.