IIT Madras launches 'Cyber Commandos' training for law enforcement officers

IIT Madras Pravartak has initiated a national 'Cyber Commandos' training programme for law enforcement officers throughout India. The six-month residential programme emphasises advanced cyber training to equip officers with the skills needed for this critical role.

In Short

• Training focuses on proactive measures against escalating cyber threats
• The programme includes 70 percent practical training with industry visits planned
• Cyber Commandos will protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.

IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has 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' programme is a critical step in bolstering India's cyber defence capabilities.

This specialised force will be at the forefront of defending the nation against cyberattacks, safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining digital sovereignty.

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.

The training programme was launched at IIT Madras today by Professor V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, in the presence of Dr Sandeep Mittal, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Cyber Crime Wing, Tamil Nadu, Col Arvind Kumar, Director, Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), Mr. Mayank Ghildiyal, Deputy Director, I4C, Dr. MJ Shankar Raman, CEO, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation and other dignitaries.

Addressing the inaugural programme, Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, said, "On a daily basis, the cyber threat landscape is increasing. We are getting more and more devices into our day-to-day lives as digitisation increases. Data is very important now. Processing of both structured and non-structured day is also vital."

Recognising the escalating sophistication of cyber threats, this program aims to equip law enforcement officers with advanced skills to combat cyber challenges effectively. 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.

Equipped with advanced skills and technology, they will be at the forefront of preventing cyberattacks, along with responding to them.

GROWING CYBER THREATS AND THE WEAPONISATION OF SOFTWARE

Speaking on 'Future Cyber Challenges in Indian Context', Dr Sandeep Mittal, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Cyber Crime Wing, Tamil Nadu, said, "The Cyber domain is extremely attractive for malicious actors because it is a highly dynamic, faceless and boundary-less domain capable of throwing surprises with rapidity. It is a very low-cost effort with asymmetric results. The risks are the opportunities and the opportunities are the risks. The discovery of Stuxnet in 2010 heralded an era of the weaponisation of software code. This was only the beginning, as it was followed by many things."

Dr Sandeep Mittal added, "By 2024, there will be 50 billion Internet-connected devices, such as refrigerators, 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 Cyber Criminals are mostly abroad."

Further, Col Arvind Kumar, Director of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), said, "This six-month course will have 70% as practical with only 30% being the theoretical component in this program. Industrial visits have also been planned. IIT Madras faculty will be handling this program and training you (Cyber Commandos)."

The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) was established by the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide a framework and ecosystem for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to deal with Cybercrime in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the increasing frequency and severity of cyber threats India faces. 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.

The trainees will comprise officers from the law enforcement ecosystem who will be trained as cyber commandos. The course will entail advanced modules on system forensics, detection and prevention of unethical access to systems, and detecting crimes in the cyber domain, among others.