Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) launched the prestigious Cyber Commando Training Program in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs, on October 1, 2024, marking a major milestone in enhancing India’s cybersecurity infrastructure. This six-month program, organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to empower 30 police officers from various states with advanced cyber defense skills. The officers will be trained to address the rapidly evolving cyber threats faced by the forces of India.

The Cyber Commando initiative is recently introduced by the Honorable Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah on September 10, 2024, during the Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in New Delhi. The program at RRU underscores the government’s commitment to national security in an increasingly digitized world.

Shri Vikas Sahay (DGP, Gujarat), Chief Guest of the event, emphasized upon the importance of preparing a specialized cyber commando force to tackle the growing cyber challenges. He further stated that these officers will play a critical role in addressing both cybercrime and cybersecurity issues at the national and international levels. Also, noted that the historical importance of establishing such a specialized unit within law enforcement, drawing parallels to previous successful anti-crime units like the Greyhounds that combated Naxalism.

Shri Mayank Ghildiyal (Deputy Director, I4C), Guest of Honour, highlighted that the Cyber Commando Training Program is part of a national mission to strengthen India’s defenses against cyber threats. The program will ensure that police officers are equipped with cutting-edge skills to respond to sophisticated cyberattacks.

Shri Rajesh Kumar (CEO, I4C), Guest of Honour, focused on the strategic vision behind training 5,000 cyber commandos over the next five years. He praised the collaboration between government institutions and academic partners, which will be crucial in transforming India's cybersecurity framework.

Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel (Vice-Chancellor, RRU), Chief Patron, stated that this initiative aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global leader in cybersecurity. He emphasized upon RRU's role in leading the change by providing rigorous, high-quality training that meets the requirements of modern law enforcement.

Program Details:

The six-month residential program includes comprehensive training modules designed by cybersecurity experts. Officers will receive practical instruction in ethical hacking, digital forensics, threat intelligence, incident response strategies, and other advanced cybersecurity measures.

The curriculum covers critical topics such as IT fundamentals, cloud computing, cyber laws, IoT security, malware analysis, and cryptocurrency threats. Participants will gain hands-on experience in mitigating cyber risks and responding to real-world cyber incidents.

The inaugural batch comprises 30 officers selected from across the nation, representing states like Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This first-of-its-kind program aims to prepare an elite force capable of tackling the increasing cybercrime challenges affecting India.

Vision for the Future:

The Cyber Commando Training Program is part of a broader government initiative to train 5,000 cyber commandos over the next five years. This initiative will involve prestigious institutions like IITs, IIITs, and NFSU, ensuring that the officers are continuously trained and updated on the latest cyber trends. The trained officers will return to their respective police forces and serve as a critical resource for responding to cyber incidents of national importance.

AP/GP/JD

(Release ID: 2060928)