As the technology continues to develop, so have concerns about data privacy incidents of data breaches that have increased at a higher rate. Cybersecurity is the solution to data breaches and one of the in-demand tech professions in this digital era offering lucrative opportunities.
In today's digital era, cybersecurity is a vital area that aims to safeguard computer systems, networks, and information from cyber threats. It involves the use of methods and plans to stop, identify, and react to harmful attacks that aim to breach the privacy, trustworthiness, and accessibility of data.
Given that technology is a key part of our daily lives, cybersecurity acts as a crucial barrier to protect personal information and critical infrastructure from a range of dangers, including malware, ransomware, phishing attempts, and other online weaknesses.
Acknowledging the essential need for cybersecurity for data security, the renowned Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur’s C3iHub (IIT Kanpur) has announced an extensive Cyber Security Vocational Programme in partnership with Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) and Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj Innovation Foundation (CSJMIF).
IIT Kanpur’s Cyber Security Vocational Programme will enhance the skills and abilities of the students and help them understand what is needed to thrive in the expanding area of cybersecurity. The various topics offered by this course include malware analysis, cryptography, system security, cryptography and IOT security that are the basics in the field of cybersecurity.
A key component of the program involves personalized labs at each student's workstation via the Cyber Range. This programme aims to enhance their skills and to achieve a lucrative career in the field of cybersecurity. This initiative on education in cyber security was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK).
At the MOU signing event, Director of IIT Kanpur, Prof. Manindra Agrawal stated“The Cyber Security Vocational Program will help students develop a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity, expanding their knowledge to an advanced level of cybersecurity, which will make them future-ready. We hope to provide a strong platform for students to learn practical knowledge and skills that are essential in today’s digital age by combining C3iHub’s experience and the resources of CSJMU and CSJMIF”.
One of the crucial parts of the programme is offering personalized labs in the desk of the students with Cyber Range. C3iHub is the technological center of IIT Kanpur.
The emphasis of IIT Kanpur’s Cyber Security Vocational Programme is to offer education and enhance skills of the students applicable to the industry equip students for prosperous careers in this dynamic sector of cybersecurity.
The programme goal is a major effort to cultivate cybersecurity skills in India with a aim to sign up 50,000 students for the course.
The MOU signing ceremony was conducted on June 6th 2024. Dignitaries who graced the event include Prof Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur and Prof. Vinay Pathak, Vice Chancellor. The event also saw the presence of other digitaries involving Principals from 20 affiliated colleges. Dr. Tanima Hajra, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Interim CEO of C3iHub, along with Mr. Anil Kumar Yadav, Registrar of CSJMU, and Mr. Vivek Mishra, Chief Executive Officer of CSJMIF who have signed the MOU.
Vice Chancellor of CSJMU, Prof. Vinay Pathak, said, “This MoU signifies CSJMU’s commitment to providing our students with industry-relevant education. The cybersecurity program will equip them with the knowledge and expertise to tackle upcoming challenges in this critical domain.”
It is to be noted that the mode of the course is online. This will offer learners with foundational understanding and practical experience.
Speaking in the MOU signing event, Dr. Tanima Hajra, COO and Interim CEO C3iHub, said, “We are excited to announce our partnership with CSJMU and CSJMIF to offer a crucial cybersecurity course. 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.”
The IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub will offer an virtual lab for hands-on course activities, technical support for students, certificate recognition for course enrollment and completion, and results for the final exam for every student. On the other hand, CSJMU will ensure the program runs without any issues, while CSJMIF will set up the platform for the program's operation.
The digital delivery format guarantees that learners nationwide can receive high-quality education without any geographical limitations for the learners.
Cybersecurity goes beyond just securing information; it's about preserving our lifestyle in the digital age. By joining IIT Kanpur's Cyber Security Vocational Programme, students are embarking on a crucial journey to become future leaders in cybersecurity. The program's emphasis on knowledge and skills applicable to the industry equips graduates for prosperous careers, making sure they are prepared to handle the constant changes in this dynamic sector.
Students as well as tech professionals can enroll for the IT Kanpur’s Cyber Security Vocational Programme as it ensures flexibility in the programme with its online, learners can learn while they are working in the corporate space to gain knowledge on cyber security. The duration of the programme is of six months.
"C3iHub will provide Virtual Lab for course practicals, technical help desk support for students, certification of participation/completion of the course and final assessment results for all students," according to a statement.
Founded in 1959, Indian Institute of Technology is one of the acclaimed institutions that provide standardised education, perform research work and has contributed in the innovation of technology. The Government of India has recognized IIT Kanpur as an Institute of National Importance, as per the Institutes of Technology Act. It holds a prestigious position among the top educational establishments in the country.
Featuring seasoned instructors, state-of-the-art materials, and a syllabus in harmony with industry benchmarks, this program represents a commitment to your career advancement. Moving forward, IT Kanpur’s Cyber Security Vocational Programme serves as a pathway for individuals looking to make a career in the field of cyber security. Register today to be a part of this programme and contribute in the sector of cyber security, landing up to lucrative career opportunities.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras is considered one of the best institutes for cybersecurity in India. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of cybersecurity, including cryptography, network security, and ethical hacking. Additionally, the institute collaborates with top industry partners and research organizations, providing students with valuable practical experience and exposure to cutting-edge technologies. IIT Madras's strong academic reputation and state-of-the-art facilities make it a top choice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur offers a highly-regarded free online course on cybersecurity through the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL). This initiative, funded by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), provides high-quality education across various disciplines. The cybersecurity course covers essential topics such as network security, cryptography, risk management, and cyber laws.
Upon completion, participants can obtain a certificate by paying a nominal fee and passing an examination.
To gain admission to IIT Kanpur for a cybersecurity course, follow these steps: For undergraduate admission (B.Tech), first qualify JEE Advanced by securing a high rank after clearing JEE Main, then participate in the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counseling process to choose IIT Kanpur and the relevant engineering stream, such as Computer Science and Engineering. For postgraduate admission (M.Tech/MS/Ph.D.), you need to qualify GATE by scoring well in a relevant discipline, such as Computer Science, then apply online through the IIT Kanpur admission portal.
Coding is not strictly compulsory for all cybersecurity roles, but it is highly beneficial. Understanding coding can help cybersecurity professionals analyze software for vulnerabilities, write scripts to automate tasks, and develop security tools. For roles such as penetration testing, ethical hacking, and security analysis, coding skills in languages like Python, JavaScript, and C are particularly valuable. While some entry-level positions may not require coding, advancing in the field typically necessitates a strong grasp of programming.
The best course for cybersecurity depends on your career goals, but the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is highly regarded globally. Offered by (ISC), CISSP covers a broad range of cybersecurity topics, including risk management, network security, and cryptography. It is ideal for experienced security professionals seeking to advance their careers. For beginners, the CompTIA Security+ certification is an excellent starting point, providing foundational knowledge and skills essential for entry-level cybersecurity roles.