Kozhikode: The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut and Cyber Dome, an initiative of Kerala Police, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at combating emerging cyber threats and fostering advanced research in Cyber Security. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between NITC and Kerala Police, focusing on necessary staff training and research activities to strengthen cybercrime investigations.

The MoU signing ceremony witnessed Prof. Jose Mathew, Chairperson of the Centre for Industry-Institutional Relations at NIT Calicut, and H Venkatesh, Inspector General of Police (Cyber Operations), as the signatories.

Under the MoU, Kerala Police will also collaborate with NITC's prestigious project on establishing a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (CoE AI) at the national level.

Prof Prasad Krishna, Director of NIT Calicut, expressed confidence in the collaboration, stating, "NITC has an excellent team of cyber security experts who can assist the Kerala Police’s cyber wing in cybercrime investigations and provide training programs for police officials. Our expertise will contribute to the development of new techniques for cybercrime investigation."

The involvement of NITC's expert faculty and technical team is anticipated to enhance cybersecurity training programs and the development of crime investigative techniques for the Kerala Police. This collaboration, operating on a non-remunerative basis, aims to improve the efficiency of cybercrime investigations and offer comprehensive support to the public.

According to the terms of the MoU, NITC is set to receive metadata related to cybercrimes and road traffic accidents for their research projects. Stringent measures will be in place to maintain the confidentiality of the data, with teams refraining from disclosing evidence or any information related to the investigation. Additionally, a non-disclosure agreement concerning confidential data will be established.

NITC experts will extend their support to the police in various areas, including cyber security, information security, cyber forensics, and data analytics. Inspector General of Police (Cyber Operations) H. Venkates and Prof. S.D Madhu Kumar, Chairperson of CITRA (Centre for Information Technology Research and Automation) at NIT Calicut, will serve as the nodal officers for the collaborative initiatives.