IIT Kanpur, Central Government Join Forces To Prepare 'Cyber Commandos' To Combat Digital Threats—All About It

In a significant step towards enhancing India’s cybersecurity readiness, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur's C3iHub has launched the “Cyber Commando Training Program,” a specialised six-month residential course designed to equip participants with cutting-edge skills in cybersecurity.

C3iHub is a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) established at the IIT Kanpur and is funded by the Central government's Department of Science and Technology, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems.

This "Cyber Commando Training Program" is a collaboration between the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the MHA.

"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," IIT Kanpur said in a statement.

These trained cyber commandos will assist states/UTs and central agencies in safeguarding the digital space, it added.

According to professor Sandeep K Shukla, who is the programme director of C3iHub at IIT Kanpur, these trained 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 programme.

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 defence 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," IIT Kanpur said.

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