C3iHub, the Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Hub at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities through specialized training and capacity-building initiatives. As part of the collaboration, IIT Kanpur will conduct a six-week Residential Cybersecurity Training Program for CISF personnel.

The collaboration aims to enhance the technical knowledge, operational preparedness, and cybersecurity capabilities of CISF personnel in response to the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. With CISF playing a critical role in securing strategic and critical infrastructure across the country, the program is designed to provide participants with practical exposure to cybersecurity concepts and emerging technologies relevant to modern security operations.

This six-week residential training on Cyber Security for 40 CISF personnel per batch will bring together structured classroom learning, hands-on practical exercises, expert-led sessions, and scenario-based activities. The program follows a progressive approach, beginning with core IT and networking concepts and advancing into specialized areas of cybersecurity and cyber incident management. The training is non-commercial and free of cost.

The MoU was signed by Shri Senthil Avoodai Krishna Raj S., IG/APS-I, CISF, and Dr. Tanima Hajra, CEO, C3iHub, in the presence of Prof. Surender Baswana, Programme Director, Dr. Ras Dwivedi, CTO, Dr. Anand Handa, CSO, and Shri Ajaya Kumar Misra, CFO.

The training will cover key areas including IT and networking, cybersecurity fundamentals, digital forensics, incident response, vulnerability assessment, disaster recovery and business continuity, enabling participants to develop a stronger understanding of cyber threats and appropriate response mechanisms.

The program will also provide exposure to emerging technology and security challenges involving cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Generative AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and Operational Technology (OT). Participants will explore how these technologies are transforming the cyber threat landscape and the security considerations associated with their adoption.

Another important focus of the program will be emerging cyber threats and attack scenarios, including AI-enabled threats, deepfakes, cloud security risks, supply-chain vulnerabilities, identity-related threats, and risks associated with connected and cyber-physical systems. The training will help participants understand evolving threat vectors and strengthen their ability to respond to complex cybersecurity incidents.

A significant component of the training will involve practical exercises and scenario-based crisis-response activities, culminating in a multi-sector crisis simulation. The exercise will provide participants with an opportunity to apply their learning in a simulated real-world environment, test decision-making and coordination capabilities, and understand the complexities involved in responding to large-scale cyber incidents.

The MoU reflects the shared commitment of C3iHub, IIT Kanpur and CISF towards developing a skilled and future-ready cybersecurity workforce. The collaboration will contribute to strengthening cybersecurity preparedness within the security forces and supporting the protection of India's critical and strategic infrastructure against emerging cyber threats.

About C3iHub, IIT Kanpur

C3iHub is a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) established at IIT Kanpur under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The Hub focuses on securing cyber-physical systems by identifying vulnerabilities, developing security tools, incubating startups, and training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognised as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Renowned for excellence in science, engineering, and interdisciplinary education, IIT Kanpur spans a 1,050-acre lush green campus and comprises 20 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programmes, and three specialised schools. With over 570 faculty members and more than 9,500 students, the institute continues to lead in innovation, research, and holistic development.

For more information, please visit: www.iitk.ac.in