Chennai: IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has rolled out an advanced training initiative aimed at equipping law enforcement officers across India with the skills to become 'Cyber Commandos.' Launched on 3 October 2024, this programme is part of a larger effort by the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen India's cyber defence capabilities. The ‘Cyber Commandos’ will serve as a proactive force, stepping beyond the traditional reactive roles of cybercrime cells by focusing on preventing and countering cyberattacks, as well as safeguarding critical data.

The programme was inaugurated at IIT Madras by the institute’s director, Prof. V. Kamakoti, with key figures such as Dr. Sandeep Mittal, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Cyber Crime Wing, Tamil Nadu, and Col. Arvind Kumar, Director, Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), attending the launch event. The training will transform law enforcement officers from across the nation into cyber experts capable of tackling complex digital crimes, tracking cybercriminals, and protecting vital infrastructure.

The course will be led by the faculty of IIT Madras and will also include industry visits to give officers a closer look at real-world applications. Officers from both state and central police forces will be trained in modules covering cyber forensics, detection of unauthorised access, and techniques to identify crimes in the digital space.

The programme comes at a crucial time, given the rise in cyberattacks targeting India’s digital landscape. These threats range from financial fraud and data breaches to attacks on critical infrastructure, highlighting the need for a well-prepared cyber defence force. By training law enforcement personnel in advanced cyber skills, this initiative aims to safeguard the nation against such evolving threats.

Dr. Sandeep Mittal, speaking on future cyber challenges, emphasized the dynamic nature of cybercrime, noting that the cyber domain is continuously evolving, often surprising security experts with new threats. He also stressed the importance of securing operational systems, given the growing number of internet-connected devices worldwide.

Col. Arvind Kumar, in his address, reiterated the programme’s focus on practical training and highlighted the importance of coordination among law enforcement agencies when dealing with cybercrimes. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), which oversees this programme, was established to provide a comprehensive framework for law enforcement to combat cybercrimes across the country.

The trainees from law enforcement agencies will undergo intensive training, covering advanced topics in systems forensics, crime detection in cyberspace, and prevention strategies to tackle unethical system access. This initiative marks a major leap in bolstering the capabilities of India’s law enforcement to handle the ever-increasing complexity of cyber threats.IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, which is spearheading the training, is a key player in India’s efforts to enhance its technological capabilities. The foundation is a Section 8 company that operates under the Department of Science and Technology’s National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, and it focuses on innovation in sensors, networking, and control systems. 

BI Bureau