Kanpur: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has introduced three new master's programs in cybersecurity that will commence from August 2021.
This programme is dedicated to cybersecurity to address its need and to meet the shortfall in trained and skilled cybersecurity personnel in the country.
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), IIT-K would offer the three courses, M Tech, MS by Research, and BT-MT Dual Degree in Cyber Security from August 2021.
According to varsity officials, the programs would start with a limited number of seats with plans to gradually scale up in size and scope. The initiative for launching the three courses in cybersecurity was taken by Prof. Manindra Agrawal and Prof. Sandeep K. Shukla from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
Admissions for the courses will commence during the April-May 2021 cycle. The M Tech program in Cyber Security will equip students with skills necessary to be successful in roles such as VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) engineers, Security centre analysts, CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) engineers, cybersecurity tool developers and other roles that involve protecting systems against the threat of attacks by malicious actors, officials said.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Prof Manindra Agarwal, Department of Computer Science and Engineering said," Initial admission for the MTech program in cybersecurity will get 15 students and 10 students from the defence sector. After this, gradually the number of seats will increase in each session. So that the number of cybersecurity and cyber-defence staff will be in increased in the government sectors."
"In the world of Digital Nomads (especially after Covid19) and Gig Economy, there has been a significant shift to the cloud as almost everyone who is involved in a productive activity has had to go online and use digital devices. This shift means there are millions of new netizens and organizations that are potentially vulnerable to sophisticated cybercrime," he said.
"We have timed these Masters programs to ensure that we start producing cyber warriors of the future who can defend not only national boundaries but also make a mark internationally," said Prof. Sandeep K. Shukla.
"IIT Kanpur has always led the innovation in education from the front and this is just another example of the same. The need for cyber warriors and cyber defenders is now felt more keenly. The successful candidates can take up responsibilities at CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team), WESEE (Weapons and Electronics Engineering Centre, Indian Navy), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA), other cybersecurity roles," Prof. Shukla said.
ALSO READ: Now, cardio fitness levels can be monitored by Apple watch
