The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur’s C3iHub has launched the ‘Cyber Security Vocational Program’ in collaboration with Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) Kanpur and the Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj Innovation Foundation (CSJMIF). This cyber security program was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). "This MoU signifies CSJMU's commitment to providing our students with industry-relevant education. The cyber security program will equip them with the knowledge and expertise to tackle upcoming challenges in this critical domain," said Prof. Vinay Pathak, Vice Chancellor of CSJMU.

IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub Cyber Security Program Overview

This six-month program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the cybersecurity field. The program covers a range of topics including system security, malware analysis, network security, cryptography, and IoT security. Conducted entirely online, the course offers both fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience. Speaking about the program, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, said, "The Cyber Security Vocational Programme will help students develop a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity, expanding their knowledge to an advanced level, and making them future-ready. By combining C3iHub's expertise with the resources of CSJMU and CSJMIF, we hope to provide a strong platform for students to acquire practical knowledge and essential skills in today's digital age."

Customized Hands-On Training

A key feature of the training is the provision of customized labs at each student's desk through the Cyber Range, offering hands-on experience and industry-relevant knowledge. This practical approach aims to prepare students for successful careers in this domain. C3iHub, a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at IIT Kanpur funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, will play a pivotal role in the program. It will provide a virtual lab for course practicals, technical help desk support for students, certification of participation/completion, and final assessment results for all students. “This program aims to provide general awareness to students and also empower them with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape safely and securely,” said Dr. Tanima Hajra, COO and Interim CEO C3iHub. C3iHub addresses the cybersecurity of cyber-physical systems comprehensively. It detects security vulnerabilities in critical systems, develops tools to address these vulnerabilities, nucleates startups, partners with industries to commercialize security tools, and provides training to the next generation of security researchers. CSJMU will facilitate the smooth execution of the cyber security course, while CSJMIF will provide the platform to run the program. The initiative aims to enroll up to 50,000 students, marking a significant step towards fostering security expertise in India. With an ambitious target of enrolling up to 50,000 students, this program is poised to make a substantial impact on fostering expertise in India, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in this critical field.