Thiruvananthapuram: The first batch of Cyber Commandos, an initiative launched by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), successfully completed its training under the Cyber Commando Training Programme. The programme aims to enhance the nation’s cyber resilience.

The passing out ceremony was held at 5 pm at Sonata Hall, Mascot Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram, marking the deployment of these highly trained professionals to combat emerging cyber threats.

The Cyber Commando Training Programme was designed to create a specialised force capable of addressing sophisticated cyber threats at both national and global levels. The Government of India selected seven premier institutions, including IIIT Kottayam, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras, to conduct the training. The inclusion of IIIT Kottayam among top IITs highlights its growing stature in cybersecurity education and research.

Following a highly competitive all-India entrance exam, 30 officers from various parts of the country were selected for the programme. The training covered advanced cyber defence strategies, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and penetration testing, ensuring that the officers met the highest standards before deployment.

IIIT Kottayam – A national hub for cybersecurity training
IIIT Kottayam played a crucial role in shaping the future of cybersecurity training in India. The trainees received globally recognised certifications, including: Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT) and CompTIA Security+.

IIIT Kottayam has also conducted five batches of short-term cybersecurity training for the Kerala Police in collaboration with the state’s Cyber Crime Department, further strengthening law enforcement’s cyber capabilities. IIIT Kottayam secured international funding from institutions such as the Mozilla Foundation and Volkswagen Foundation.

“Being selected among India’s top IITs for this prestigious training programme is a testament to IIIT Kottayam’s excellence in cybersecurity education. The institute is rapidly emerging as a national leader in digital security,” said Dr M Radhakrishnan, Registrar, IIIT Kottayam.

He added, “This initiative is not just a training programme but a transformative mission that aligns with the vision of the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Cyber Commando Training Programme is set to become an iconic, continuous endeavour, producing the next generation of cyber warriors.”