S. Vishnu Sharma
IITMPTF launched a new training program to create ‘Cyber Commandos’ among law enforcement officers across India.
An initiative of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’, the ‘Cyber Commandos’ program is a critical step in bolstering India’s cyber defence capabilities.
Defending
This specialized force will be at the forefront of defending the Nation against cyberattacks, safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining digital sovereignty, say sources from IIT Madras.
Upgrade
The Cyber Commandos will represent a significant upgrade from existing cybercrime cells. While these cells primarily focus on reactive measures like investigation and prosecution of cybercrimes, the commandos will be a proactive force, say sources from IITMPTF.
Launch
The Training Program was launched at IIT Madras on 3 Oct 2024 by Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras.
The launch was done in the presence of Dr. Sandeep Mittal, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Cyber Crime Wing, Tamil Nadu.
Others present were Col. Arvind Kumar, Director, Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Mr. Mayank Ghildiyal, Deputy Director, I4C, Dr. MJ Shankar Raman, CEO, IITMPTF and other dignitaries.
Inaugural
Director of IIT Madras Prof V Kamakoti spoke at the inaugural program.
On a daily basis, the cyber threat landscape is increasing. We are getting more and more devices into our day-to-day life as digitization increases, he said.
Data is very important now. Processing of both structured and non-structured day is also vital, he said.
Director of IIT Madras further said we need to arrive at a proactive way to prevent cyber threats. We need to have a deep understanding.
‘The next six months will deal with how to proactively detect cyber attacks and use forensic technologies to develop defenses.’
This effect is going to be very important and I thank the Ministry Of Home Affairs for supporting this program, he said.
Advanced Skills
Recognizing the escalating sophistication of cyber threats, this program aims to equip law enforcement officers with advanced skills to combat cyber challenges effectively, say sources from IITMPTF.
Through rigorous training, State and Central police personnel will be transformed into cyber experts, capable of investigating complex digital crimes, tracking cybercriminals, and protecting critical infrastructure, say sources from IITMPTF.
Equipped with advanced skills and technology, they will be at the forefront of preventing cyberattacks, along with responding to them, say sources from IITMPTF.
Future
Dr. Sandeep Mittal, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Cyber Crime Wing, Tamil Nadu spoke about the future cyber challenges in Indian context.
The Cyber domain is extremely attractive for malicious actors because it is highly dynamic, faceless and boundary-less domain capable of throwing surprises with rapidity, he said.
It is a very low-cost effort with asymmetric results. The Risks are the opportunities and the opportunities are the risks, he said.
The discovery of Stuxnet in 2010 heralded into an era of a weaponization of software code. This was only the beginning as it was followed by many things, he said.
He further said By 2024, there will be 50 billion Internet connected devices, such as refrigertors, microwaves, washing machines and so on.
Critical infrastructure, especially operational systems, needs to be well-protected. Cyber Security needs an understanding of International Conventions on cybercrimes as the Cyber Criminals are mostly abroad, he said.
I4C
Col. Arvind Kumar, Director, Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), said this six-month course will have 70% as practicals with only 30% being theory component in this program.
Industry visits have also been planned. IIT Madras faculty will be handling this program and training you (Cyber Commandos), he said.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) was established by Ministry of Home Affairs to provide a framework and eco-system for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) for dealing with Cybercrime in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
Importance
Dr. MJ Shankar Raman, CEO, IITMPTF spoke about the importance of this program.
Today, we are fighting a war that does not have boundaries. Here, we do not know where the ‘bomb’ will fall. Using software, one can take out physical infrastructure, said CEO of IITMPTF.
‘Even though we have identified critical National infrastructure, we are following the Western thinking.’
However now, the Indian Government is focused on doing things differently and has supported this Cyber Commandos Program, said CEO of IITMPTF.
CEO of IITMPTF further said we need lateral thinking to identify loopholes in technology so that they can be addressed.
The idea is to upgrade your skills and your investigation follows advanced techniques to submit proof that will stand up in Court, he said.
Urgency
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the increasing frequency and severity of cyber threats India faces, say sources from IITMPTF.
From financial fraud and data breaches to critical infrastructure attacks, the digital landscape poses significant risks.
The Cyber Commandos program is essential to ensure India is adequately prepared to counter these threats and protect its citizens and economy in the digital age.
Trainees
The trainees will comprise officers from the law enforcement ecosystem who will be trained as cyber commandos.
The course will entail advanced modules on systems forensics, detection and prevention of unethical access to systems, detecting crimes in the cyber domain, among others.
IITMPTF is a Section 8 Company housing a Technology Innovation Hub on Sensors, Networking, Actuators and Control Systems.
It is funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, under its National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems and hosted by IIT Madras.
About IITMPTF
IITMPTF is a section 08 Company housing the Technology Innovation Hub on Sensors, Networking, Actuators, and Control Systems (SNACS).
It is committed to transforming the frontiers of knowledge. Its start-up ecosystem is the nurturing space of brilliant professionals, Innovative entrepreneurs, curious young talents, and inquisitive students.
With world-class infrastructure, equipment, and experienced mentors, we have everything to offer for the technology-hungry brains.
IITMPTF is funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, under its National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, and hosted as a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) by IIT Madras.
The NM-ICPS is a comprehensive Mission aimed at complete convergence with all stakeholders by establishing strong linkages between academia, industry, Government, and International Organizations.
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