In a significant move to bolster cybersecurity within India’s maritime sector, the C3iHub at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur) recently hosted a two-day training programme on ‘Maritime Cybersecurity’ for officials from the Indian Ports Association (IPA). The event, held at the IIT-Kanpur Noida Extension Centre, underscored the growing importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure.
The training programme delved into a range of critical topics, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle modern cyber threats. Sessions covered compliance and regulatory requirements, social media threat profiling, and dark web analysis. Participants also engaged in open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigations and suspect profiling, digital forensics and incident response (DFIR), network security assessment, and cloud security.
Arvind Bhisikar, Executive Director (IT) of the Indian Ports Association, emphasised the importance of such initiatives, stating, “In an increasingly digital world, the security of our maritime infrastructure is paramount. This training programme is a crucial step in ensuring that our officials are well-equipped to handle cyber threats and protect our ports from potential cyber-attacks.”
Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT-Kanpur, highlighted the institution’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity research and education. “Cybersecurity is a dynamic and evolving field. Through this collaboration with the Indian Ports Association, we aim to foster a culture of cyber resilience and innovation within the maritime sector,” Agrawal said.
Akhilesh Variar, IPS from the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), a unit of the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), provided valuable insights into the current cyber threat landscape. “The maritime sector is a prime target for cyber threats due to its critical role in global trade and logistics. It is essential to stay ahead of potential threats through continuous learning and adaptation,” Variar noted.
Tanima Hajra, CEO of C3iHub, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme’s success and its potential impact on maritime cybersecurity. “This training programme is a testament to the collaborative efforts between academia and industry to address pressing cybersecurity challenges. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Indian Ports Association to enhance cybersecurity measures across the maritime sector.”
The programme’s comprehensive curriculum and expert-led sessions provided participants with practical skills and theoretical knowledge, empowering them to implement robust cybersecurity measures within their organisations. As cyber threats continue to evolve, such initiatives are crucial in building a resilient and secure maritime infrastructure.
This training programme not only highlights the importance of cybersecurity in the maritime sector but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between academic institutions and industry leaders. By fostering a proactive approach to cybersecurity, the maritime industry can better protect its critical infrastructure and ensure the smooth and secure operation of ports and related facilities.