IIT Madras Pravartak Completes Training of First Batch of Cyber Commandos

Amid the growing threat of cybercrime, the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has successfully completed training the first batch of Cyber Commandos on April 1, 2025. This specialized initiative aims to equip law enforcement officers across India with advanced cybersecurity techniques to combat evolving digital threats effectively.

Introduction

With cyber threats increasing in frequency and complexity, the need for highly skilled personnel in law enforcement has never been greater. The Cyber Commandos Programme, an initiative of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, seeks to bolster India’s cyber defense capabilities by training officers in cutting-edge cybersecurity practices. The first batch of 37 law enforcement officers has successfully completed their training at IIT Madras.

Valedictory Ceremony and Key Officials

The valedictory ceremony for the first batch of Cyber Commandos was held on April 1, 2025, at the IIT Madras campus. Several eminent dignitaries were present at the event:

• Dr. Sandeep Mittal, IPS, ADGP (Cyber Crime Wing), Tamil Nadu
• Dr. Shankar Ram, CEO, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation
• Balamurali Shankar, Chief Knowledge Officer, Pravartak
• Prof. Mangala Sunder, Head, Digital Skills Academy, IIT Madras
• IPS Roopa M, Director, Threat Analytics Unit (TAU), I4C

Significance of the Cyber Commandos Initiative

The Cyber Commandos Programme represents a significant upgrade over existing cybercrime cells, which primarily focus on reactive measures like investigation and prosecution. In contrast, Cyber Commandos will take a proactive approach by:

• Preventing cyberattacks
• Safeguarding sensitive national data
• Maintaining India’s digital sovereignty

Cyber Commandos Training Program Overview

The six-month residential training program covered:

1. Foundational Cybersecurity Training

• Basics of computers and networking
• Fundamentals of operating systems and databases

2. Advanced Cybersecurity Techniques

• Network security and digital forensics
• Ethical hacking and penetration testing
• Cyber threat intelligence and malware analysis
• Offensive defense strategies

3. Hands-on Experience and Practical Training

• Live cyber attack simulations (Red-Blue Team exercises)
• Case studies on real-world cybercrime incidents
• Legal and policy frameworks related to cybercrime investigation
• Inter-agency collaboration exercises

Future Plans and Expansion

1. Inclusion of Intelligence Agencies

• Future batches will include intelligence agency personnel for cross-functional knowledge sharing.
• Real-world practical sessions will be conducted by cybersecurity experts.

2. Digital Platform for Continuous Learning

• I4C’s digital platform will allow Cyber Commandos to specialize in different domains.
• Tasks and challenges will be assigned via the platform to enhance practical skills.

3. Strategic Deployment of Cyber Commandos

• State DGPs will be requested to assign Cyber Commandos to relevant departments.
• Focus will be on cyberwarfare and technology-driven crime prevention.

Summary of the Cyber Commandos Initiative