Hyderabad : In a landmark initiative to advance India’s cybersecurity capabilities and create a highly skilled digital workforce, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani. The collaboration will launch a specialized Professional Development Program in Cybersecurity, open to professionals across the Government, Public Sector Units (PSUs), and Industry.
Set to begin on 19 July 2025, this 8-week intensive program is designed to impart critical skills in cyber defense and threat mitigation to participants, including those with no prior coding experience. The program will be delivered by BITS Pilani’s Centre for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS) at its Hyderabad Campus, in partnership with Rapifuzz Technologies, and under the strategic mentorship of CERT-In.
A Critical Step Toward National Cyber Resilience
As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, cross-sectoral collaboration has become essential to securing India’s digital infrastructure. This MoU marks the first formal engagement between CERT-In and an academic institution to deliver cybersecurity training at a national scale.
Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, emphasized the broader vision:
“India’s cyber resilience finds its true strength not only in adopting cutting-edge indigenous technology but also in cultivating a skilled talent pool. This program is another milestone in our journey to build a dynamic cyber defence ecosystem that’s future-ready for both the digital and quantum eras.”
Program Highlights
The Professional Development Program offers a structured learning path with academic rigor, industry relevance, and national recognition. Participants will receive a joint certificate from CERT-In and BITS Pilani, making this course highly valuable across professional and government sectors.
Key features include:
-
Hybrid Learning Format:
Online modules, interactive case studies, expert-led sessions, and a capstone project. -
Valedictory Session:
In-person session at BITS Pilani’s Hyderabad campus. -
Inclusive Design:
Open to professionals across sectors—no prior technical background required. -
Multidisciplinary Instruction:
Led by BITS faculty, CERT-In domain experts, and industry practitioners.
Curriculum Overview
The course covers a wide spectrum of cybersecurity fundamentals and emerging challenges:
-
Cyber Threats & Vulnerabilities
-
Network Security (Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs)
-
Secure Communication & Cryptography
-
Cybersecurity Policies, Legal Frameworks & Incident Management
-
Advanced Topics
(Cloud Security, Mobile Security, and APTs—Advanced Persistent Threats)
This modular approach ensures conceptual depth, practical case-based learning, and policy exposure—ideal for professionals tasked with securing institutional digital infrastructure.
Bridging Academia, Industry, and Governance
Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice-Chancellor of BITS Pilani, underlined the significance of the partnership:
“At BITS Pilani, we view cybersecurity not just as a tech issue, but a national mission. This program brings together academia, industry, and governance under one umbrella, guided by CERT-In’s unmatched expertise.”
The program is hosted by CRENS (Centre for Research Excellence in National Security), a hub at BITS dedicated to strengthening India’s security apparatus through R&D, indigenous innovation, and advanced technical training. CRENS also connects the research ecosystems across all BITS Pilani campuses.
About the Institutions
CERT-In, established under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, operates 24/7 to provide:
-
Cyber incident response & prevention
-
Security Quality Management Services
-
National threat intelligence coordination
More at: https://www.cert-in.org.in
BITS Pilani, one of India’s premier Institutions of Eminence, has consistently been ranked among the top for technical education, research, and innovation. Its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem-solving makes it an ideal partner for this initiative.
National Impact and Forward Strategy
This collaboration is more than a training program—it’s a strategic national investment into India’s cybersecurity preparedness. With growing threats across public, private, and critical sectors, there is an urgent need for skilled professionals who understand both the technical and regulatory landscapes of cybersecurity.
The program also aligns with India’s larger vision of becoming a trusted global digital power, and addresses goals laid out in national strategies like Digital India, India AI, and the National Cyber Security Policy.
As India moves toward the quantum computing era, the joint program ensures the country is not only technology-ready, but also talent-ready to face the complex digital challenges of tomorrow.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
