C3iHub IIT Kanpur and Realme India launched CyberSuraksha Initiative, training 47 Indian Army personnel in cybersecurity and cyber defence to combat evolving digital threats.
C3iHub IIT Kanpur Partners with Realme India for Cybersecurity Workshop
“CyberSuraksha Initiative” is a specialized Cybersecurity & Cyber Defence Workshop aimed at enhancing cyber awareness, cyber resilience, and digital security capabilities among India’s frontline defence personnel. C3iHub, IIT Kanpur, in partnership with Realme India, launched the inaugural batch of the program. The two-day in-person workshop took place recently at C3iHub, IIT Kanpur, and brought together 47 participants from the Indian Army, including officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and jawans from units under the Kanpur Brigade Station, Kanpur Cantonment.
The CyberSuraksha Initiative has been conceptualized to address the growing challenges posed by evolving cyber threats targeting critical institutions and national security infrastructure. Through structured training, practical demonstrations, and interactive learning sessions, participants acquired the knowledge and skills required to identify, prevent, and respond to contemporary cyber threats.
Workshop Focuses on Critical Cyber Defence Concepts
The workshop focused on key aspects of cybersecurity and cyber defence relevant to defence personnel and law enforcement agencies, including cyber hygiene, digital threat awareness, incident response, cybercrime trends, secure digital practices, and emerging cyber risks. The initiative also supports personnel from intelligence, revenue enforcement, and government departments who increasingly operate within a digitally interconnected environment.
Participants engaged in hands-on exercises that simulated real-world cyber attacks, allowing them to practice defensive strategies in a controlled environment. The training covered password management, phishing identification, secure communication protocols, and incident reporting procedures that form the foundation of personal and organizational cyber hygiene.
Prof. Sanadhya Emphasizes Empowering Defence Personnel
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Somitra Sanadhya, Program Director of C3iHub, IIT Kanpur, said: “Through the CyberSuraksha Initiative, we aim to empower frontline defence and law enforcement personnel with practical cyber defence capabilities that can strengthen operational readiness and resilience.” The program addresses a critical gap in cyber training for military personnel who face sophisticated digital threats during operations.
The initiative also recognizes that modern warfare extends beyond traditional battlefields into cyberspace, where adversaries launch attacks on communication networks, command systems, and critical infrastructure. Defence personnel need specialized training to protect themselves and their organizations from these evolving threats while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Participants Receive Certificates and Become Cyber Awareness Ambassadors
During the valedictory ceremony, organizers awarded certificates to all participants in recognition of their successful completion of the CyberSuraksha Cybersecurity & Cyber Defence Workshop. The dignitaries commended the participants for their active engagement throughout the program and encouraged them to serve as cyber awareness ambassadors within their respective organizations.
These 47 army personnel will now cascade the knowledge they gained to their fellow soldiers and units, multiplying the impact of the training across the Kanpur Brigade and beyond. This multiplier effect ensures that the initiative reaches a broader audience and creates a culture of cyber vigilance within the defence forces.
Unique Industry-Academia-Defence Collaboration Takes Shape
The CyberSuraksha Initiative represents a unique industry-academia-defence collaboration that combines the research and innovation capabilities of IIT Kanpur, the industry outreach of Realme India, and the operational expertise of India’s defence forces. This tripartite partnership also demonstrates how different sectors can work together to address national security challenges in the digital age.
C3iHub brings cutting-edge cybersecurity research and expertise from one of India’s premier technical institutions. Realme India contributes industry perspective and resources, recognizing that consumer electronics users also face cyber threats and that building cyber-resilient communities benefits everyone. The Indian Army provides real-world operational context and identifies the specific training needs of defence personnel.
Initiative Addresses Growing Cyber Threat Landscape
India faces increasing cyber threats from state and non-state actors targeting critical infrastructure, financial systems, and national security assets. The defence sector remains a prime target for espionage, sabotage, and information warfare. The CyberSuraksha Initiative responds to this reality by building human capacity at the frontline of national defence.
The workshop prepared participants to recognize social engineering attacks, secure mobile devices, protect sensitive information, and respond appropriately to security incidents. As defence operations become increasingly digitized, such training becomes essential for maintaining operational security and preventing cyber attacks that could compromise missions or endanger lives.
The CyberSuraksha Initiative sets a precedent for future collaborations between academic institutions, technology companies, and defence organizations. By investing in human capital and building cyber resilience at the grassroots level, India strengthens its overall cyber defence posture and protects its national security interests in an increasingly connected world.
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