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IIT Madras Introduces ‘Cyber Warriors’ Program to Strengthen India’s Cybersecurity Framework

Ministry of Home Affairs Launches Initiative to Train Law Enforcement in Advanced Cyber Defense Skills

IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has unveiled a new training initiative aimed at creating a dedicated force of ‘Cyber Warriors’ within India’s law enforcement agencies. This initiative, led by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, is a key effort to bolster the country’s cyber defense mechanisms against growing digital threats.

The ‘Cyber Warriors’ will not only investigate cybercrimes but also act as a proactive defense force, safeguarding India’s digital infrastructure and securing sensitive data. The program marks a significant enhancement over traditional cybercrime units that have primarily focused on reactive measures such as investigating and prosecuting cyber offenses.

The training initiative was inaugurated at IIT Madras by Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, with key officials such as Dr. Sandeep Mittal, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Cyber Crime Wing, Tamil Nadu, Col. Arvind Kumar, Director of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), and other dignitaries present.

In his opening address, Professor Kamakoti highlighted the importance of this program, stating, “As digitization grows, so do the associated cyber risks. The protection of both structured and unstructured data is critical.”

The comprehensive program is designed to equip police personnel from both Central and State forces with cutting-edge cyber skills. These officers will undergo rigorous training to become experts in combating cybercrime, tracking digital fraudsters, and safeguarding critical infrastructure. The course will consist of 70% practical training, with IIT Madras faculty leading the instruction, and will also include industrial visits.

Dr. Sandeep Mittal, in his talk on ‘Future Cyber Challenges in India’, emphasized the increasing attractiveness of cyberspace to malicious actors, especially with the rise of weaponized software. He pointed out that with over 50 billion internet-connected devices expected by 2024, securing critical infrastructure will be paramount.

This initiative is a vital response to the growing frequency and complexity of cyber threats that India faces today, from financial frauds to attacks on critical systems. The Cyber Warriors program is a crucial step in ensuring that the country’s digital security is robust and capable of defending against modern-day cyber challenges.

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