Latest news with #NationalCyberSecurityScholarProgramme
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
India's Cyber Defenders Prepare for High-Stakes Training in the Wild
PNN New Delhi [India], August 6: India is rewriting the rulebook on cybersecurity leadership. On August 21, 2025, Hyderabad will host one of the country's most unconventional cybersecurity training initiatives--one that swaps screens and lecture halls for tents, survival drills, and real-time crisis simulations. The National Cyber Security Scholar Programme (NCSSP) 2025, backed by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN), is not just another training camp. It's a response to a growing threat landscape, a shift in mindset, and a national investment in the next generation of cyber defenders. Run by the Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC), the NCSSP brings together a carefully selected cohort of leaders from diverse sectors: IAS and IPS officers, cybersecurity experts from major tech firms, officials from defence and intelligence agencies, academics from top institutions like IITs, and executives from banks, telecoms, and managed security service providers. Cybersecurity in a New Light What sets NCSSP apart is its radically different approach to training. The programme begins not in a conference room, but in a forest. Scholars will pitch their own tents, cook their own meals, and rely on analogue tools like HAM radios to communicate--mirroring the isolation and unpredictability of real-world cyber emergencies. Participants will undergo hands-on exercises such as -Hardware hacking and IoT simulations -RF jamming and radio building -Lock-picking and perimeter breach drills -Red vs. Blue team war-gaming -Crisis response scenarios and leadership tests - Survival skills like fire-starting, food foraging, and water purification This setting strips away comforts and distractions, putting leadership, decision-making, and technical capability to the test in a way that boardrooms and computer labs simply can't replicate. At the heart of this bold initiative is CERT-IN, India's national nodal agency for cyber incident response, operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Over the years, CERT-IN has earned a reputation for more than just cyber policing--it's known as a driver of collaboration and resilience across government and private sectors. Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-IN, emphasized the urgency of developing adaptable, cross-functional talent. "We are not waiting for cyber threats to strike. We are creating a resilient nation by building a skilled and trusted ecosystem of professionals across all sectors," he said. Dr. M.S. Vijayraghavan, a respected figure in cyber policy circles, also praised the program's ambition, calling it a reflection of CERT-IN's forward-looking mindset and its commitment to building India's cyber capacity through proactive, hands-on engagement. Why Hyderabad? The choice of Hyderabad as the launch site is no coincidence. The city has emerged as one of India's premier cyber innovation hubs, home to leading cybersecurity R & D centers, startups, and global firms. Its proximity to natural landscapes allows for immersive training without digital interference, while still enabling access to infrastructure for simulations and industry site visits. Organizations like GMR and Tata Communications are partnering to bridge the gap between tactical field training and operational infrastructure exposure. Training for the Real World The bootcamp is only the beginning. After the four-day immersive experience, participants will continue through January 2026 with: - Weekly digital learning modules - Field visits to power plants, airports, and data centers - Research assignments - Policy simulations and legal framework workshops Capstone projects will cover critical issues like: - National infrastructure protection - AI-powered threat modeling - Cybercrime and terrorism links - Cyber diplomacy and incident response These projects aim to create not just technical solutions, but strategic frameworks to shape India's digital security posture in the coming decade. Graduates of the programme will join the National Security Database (NSD)--India's leading credentialing platform for cybersecurity professionals involved in strategic and operational roles. Many are expected to become key advisors to state and central governments, or to lead cybersecurity operations in major public and private institutions. Building Beyond the Firewall As attacks on banks, defense networks, and urban infrastructure become more complex, India's cybersecurity strategy is shifting toward agility and readiness. NCSSP reflects that shift. It's not about teaching individuals to operate tools--it's about teaching them to lead during uncertainty, to stay calm under pressure, and to think strategically in chaos. Rajshekhar Pullabhatla, founder of ISAC, summed it up: "Off-grid training isn't about discomfort; it's about recalibration. It's about rewiring how our leaders think, react, and lead in environments of chaos." By bridging technical depth with strategic foresight and physical resilience, NCSSP is more than just a bootcamp--it's a blueprint for how India prepares its cyber defenders in an era where every second counts. As the countdown to August 21 begins, one thing is clear: India is not just reacting to cyber threats--it's preparing to outpace them. For more details or to apply for the NCSSP 2025, visit the official program page:
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
India's Cyber Defenders Prepare for High-Stakes Training in the Wild
New Delhi [India], August 6: India is rewriting the rulebook on cybersecurity leadership. On August 21, 2025, Hyderabad will host one of the country's most unconventional cybersecurity training initiatives—one that swaps screens and lecture halls for tents, survival drills, and real-time crisis simulations. The National Cyber Security Scholar Programme (NCSSP) 2025, backed by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN), is not just another training camp. It's a response to a growing threat landscape, a shift in mindset, and a national investment in the next generation of cyber defenders. Run by the Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC), the NCSSP brings together a carefully selected cohort of leaders from diverse sectors: IAS and IPS officers, cybersecurity experts from major tech firms, officials from defence and intelligence agencies, academics from top institutions like IITs, and executives from banks, telecoms, and managed security service providers. Cybersecurity in a New Light What sets NCSSP apart is its radically different approach to training. The programme begins not in a conference room, but in a forest. Scholars will pitch their own tents, cook their own meals, and rely on analogue tools like HAM radios to communicate—mirroring the isolation and unpredictability of real-world cyber emergencies. Participants will undergo hands-on exercises such as • Hardware hacking and IoT simulations • RF jamming and radio building • Lock-picking and perimeter breach drills • Red vs. Blue team war-gaming • Crisis response scenarios and leadership tests • Survival skills like fire-starting, food foraging, and water purification This setting strips away comforts and distractions, putting leadership, decision-making, and technical capability to the test in a way that boardrooms and computer labs simply can't replicate. A Strategic National Push At the heart of this bold initiative is CERT-IN, India's national nodal agency for cyber incident response, operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Over the years, CERT-IN has earned a reputation for more than just cyber policing—it's known as a driver of collaboration and resilience across government and private sectors. Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-IN, emphasized the urgency of developing adaptable, cross-functional talent. 'We are not waiting for cyber threats to strike. We are creating a resilient nation by building a skilled and trusted ecosystem of professionals across all sectors,' he said. Dr. M.S. Vijayraghavan, a respected figure in cyber policy circles, also praised the program's ambition, calling it a reflection of CERT-IN's forward-looking mindset and its commitment to building India's cyber capacity through proactive, hands-on engagement. Why Hyderabad? The choice of Hyderabad as the launch site is no coincidence. The city has emerged as one of India's premier cyber innovation hubs, home to leading cybersecurity R&D centers, startups, and global firms. Its proximity to natural landscapes allows for immersive training without digital interference, while still enabling access to infrastructure for simulations and industry site visits. Organizations like GMR and Tata Communications are partnering to bridge the gap between tactical field training and operational infrastructure exposure. Training for the Real World The bootcamp is only the beginning. After the four-day immersive experience, participants will continue through January 2026 with: • Weekly digital learning modules • Field visits to power plants, airports, and data centers • Research assignments • Policy simulations and legal framework workshops Capstone projects will cover critical issues like: • National infrastructure protection • AI-powered threat modeling • Cybercrime and terrorism links • Cyber diplomacy and incident response These projects aim to create not just technical solutions, but strategic frameworks to shape India's digital security posture in the coming decade. Graduates of the programme will join the National Security Database (NSD)—India's leading credentialing platform for cybersecurity professionals involved in strategic and operational roles. Many are expected to become key advisors to state and central governments, or to lead cybersecurity operations in major public and private institutions. Building Beyond the Firewall As attacks on banks, defense networks, and urban infrastructure become more complex, India's cybersecurity strategy is shifting toward agility and readiness. NCSSP reflects that shift. It's not about teaching individuals to operate tools—it's about teaching them to lead during uncertainty, to stay calm under pressure, and to think strategically in chaos. Rajshekhar Pullabhatla, founder of ISAC, summed it up: 'Off-grid training isn't about discomfort; it's about recalibration. It's about rewiring how our leaders think, react, and lead in environments of chaos.' By bridging technical depth with strategic foresight and physical resilience, NCSSP is more than just a bootcamp—it's a blueprint for how India prepares its cyber defenders in an era where every second counts. As the countdown to August 21 begins, one thing is clear: India is not just reacting to cyber threats—it's preparing to outpace them. For more details or to apply for the NCSSP 2025, visit the official program page: (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
India's Cyber Defenders Prepare for High-Stakes Training in the Wild
Agency: PTI Last Updated: NCSSP 2025: India's Off-Grid Cybersecurity Bootcamp Redefines Leadership Training New Delhi [India], August 6: India is rewriting the rulebook on cybersecurity leadership. On August 21, 2025, Hyderabad will host one of the country's most unconventional cybersecurity training initiatives—one that swaps screens and lecture halls for tents, survival drills, and real-time crisis simulations. The National Cyber Security Scholar Programme (NCSSP) 2025, backed by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN), is not just another training camp. It's a response to a growing threat landscape, a shift in mindset, and a national investment in the next generation of cyber defenders. Run by the Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC), the NCSSP brings together a carefully selected cohort of leaders from diverse sectors: IAS and IPS officers, cybersecurity experts from major tech firms, officials from defence and intelligence agencies, academics from top institutions like IITs, and executives from banks, telecoms, and managed security service providers. Cybersecurity in a New Light What sets NCSSP apart is its radically different approach to training. The programme begins not in a conference room, but in a forest. Scholars will pitch their own tents, cook their own meals, and rely on analogue tools like HAM radios to communicate—mirroring the isolation and unpredictability of real-world cyber emergencies. • RF jamming and radio building • Lock-picking and perimeter breach drills • Red vs. Blue team war-gaming • Crisis response scenarios and leadership tests • Survival skills like fire-starting, food foraging, and water purification This setting strips away comforts and distractions, putting leadership, decision-making, and technical capability to the test in a way that boardrooms and computer labs simply can't replicate. A Strategic National Push At the heart of this bold initiative is CERT-IN, India's national nodal agency for cyber incident response, operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Over the years, CERT-IN has earned a reputation for more than just cyber policing—it's known as a driver of collaboration and resilience across government and private sectors. Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-IN, emphasized the urgency of developing adaptable, cross-functional talent. 'We are not waiting for cyber threats to strike. We are creating a resilient nation by building a skilled and trusted ecosystem of professionals across all sectors," he said. Dr. M.S. Vijayraghavan, a respected figure in cyber policy circles, also praised the program's ambition, calling it a reflection of CERT-IN's forward-looking mindset and its commitment to building India's cyber capacity through proactive, hands-on engagement. Why Hyderabad? The choice of Hyderabad as the launch site is no coincidence. The city has emerged as one of India's premier cyber innovation hubs, home to leading cybersecurity R&D centers, startups, and global firms. Its proximity to natural landscapes allows for immersive training without digital interference, while still enabling access to infrastructure for simulations and industry site visits. Organizations like GMR and Tata Communications are partnering to bridge the gap between tactical field training and operational infrastructure exposure. Training for the Real World The bootcamp is only the beginning. After the four-day immersive experience, participants will continue through January 2026 with: • Weekly digital learning modules • Field visits to power plants, airports, and data centers • Research assignments • Policy simulations and legal framework workshops Capstone projects will cover critical issues like: • National infrastructure protection • AI-powered threat modeling • Cybercrime and terrorism links • Cyber diplomacy and incident response These projects aim to create not just technical solutions, but strategic frameworks to shape India's digital security posture in the coming decade. Graduates of the programme will join the National Security Database (NSD)—India's leading credentialing platform for cybersecurity professionals involved in strategic and operational roles. Many are expected to become key advisors to state and central governments, or to lead cybersecurity operations in major public and private institutions. Building Beyond the Firewall As attacks on banks, defense networks, and urban infrastructure become more complex, India's cybersecurity strategy is shifting toward agility and readiness. NCSSP reflects that shift. It's not about teaching individuals to operate tools—it's about teaching them to lead during uncertainty, to stay calm under pressure, and to think strategically in chaos. Rajshekhar Pullabhatla, founder of ISAC, summed it up: 'Off-grid training isn't about discomfort; it's about recalibration. It's about rewiring how our leaders think, react, and lead in environments of chaos." By bridging technical depth with strategic foresight and physical resilience, NCSSP is more than just a bootcamp—it's a blueprint for how India prepares its cyber defenders in an era where every second counts. As the countdown to August 21 begins, one thing is clear: India is not just reacting to cyber threats—it's preparing to outpace them. For more details or to apply for the NCSSP 2025, visit the official program page: top videos View all (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 06, 2025, 16:15 IST News agency-feeds India's Cyber Defenders Prepare for High-Stakes Training in the Wild Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Indias Cyber Defenders Prepare for High-Stakes Training in the Wild
PNNNew Delhi [India], August 6: India is rewriting the rulebook on cybersecurity leadership. On August 21, 2025, Hyderabad will host one of the country's most unconventional cybersecurity training initiatives–one that swaps screens and lecture halls for tents, survival drills, and real-time crisis National Cyber Security Scholar Programme (NCSSP) 2025, backed by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN), is not just another training camp. It's a response to a growing threat landscape, a shift in mindset, and a national investment in the next generation of cyber by the Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC), the NCSSP brings together a carefully selected cohort of leaders from diverse sectors: IAS and IPS officers, cybersecurity experts from major tech firms, officials from defence and intelligence agencies, academics from top institutions like IITs, and executives from banks, telecoms, and managed security service in a New LightWhat sets NCSSP apart is its radically different approach to training. The programme begins not in a conference room, but in a forest. Scholars will pitch their own tents, cook their own meals, and rely on analogue tools like HAM radios to communicate–mirroring the isolation and unpredictability of real-world cyber will undergo hands-on exercises such as-Hardware hacking and IoT simulations-RF jamming and radio building-Lock-picking and perimeter breach drills-Red vs. Blue team war-gaming-Crisis response scenarios and leadership tests– Survival skills like fire-starting, food foraging, and water purificationThis setting strips away comforts and distractions, putting leadership, decision-making, and technical capability to the test in a way that boardrooms and computer labs simply can't replicate.A Strategic National PushAt the heart of this bold initiative is CERT-IN, India's national nodal agency for cyber incident response, operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Over the years, CERT-IN has earned a reputation for more than just cyber policing–it's known as a driver of collaboration and resilience across government and private Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-IN, emphasized the urgency of developing adaptable, cross-functional talent. 'We are not waiting for cyber threats to strike. We are creating a resilient nation by building a skilled and trusted ecosystem of professionals across all sectors," he M.S. Vijayraghavan, a respected figure in cyber policy circles, also praised the program's ambition, calling it a reflection of CERT-IN's forward-looking mindset and its commitment to building India's cyber capacity through proactive, hands-on Hyderabad?The choice of Hyderabad as the launch site is no coincidence. The city has emerged as one of India's premier cyber innovation hubs, home to leading cybersecurity R&D centers, startups, and global firms. Its proximity to natural landscapes allows for immersive training without digital interference, while still enabling access to infrastructure for simulations and industry site like GMR and Tata Communications are partnering to bridge the gap between tactical field training and operational infrastructure for the Real WorldThe bootcamp is only the beginning. After the four-day immersive experience, participants will continue through January 2026 with:– Weekly digital learning modules– Field visits to power plants, airports, and data centers– Research assignments– Policy simulations and legal framework workshopsCapstone projects will cover critical issues like:– National infrastructure protection– AI-powered threat modeling– Cybercrime and terrorism links– Cyber diplomacy and incident responseThese projects aim to create not just technical solutions, but strategic frameworks to shape India's digital security posture in the coming of the programme will join the National Security Database (NSD)–India's leading credentialing platform for cybersecurity professionals involved in strategic and operational roles. Many are expected to become key advisors to state and central governments, or to lead cybersecurity operations in major public and private Beyond the FirewallAs attacks on banks, defense networks, and urban infrastructure become more complex, India's cybersecurity strategy is shifting toward agility and readiness. NCSSP reflects that shift. It's not about teaching individuals to operate tools–it's about teaching them to lead during uncertainty, to stay calm under pressure, and to think strategically in Pullabhatla, founder of ISAC, summed it up: 'Off-grid training isn't about discomfort; it's about recalibration. It's about rewiring how our leaders think, react, and lead in environments of chaos."By bridging technical depth with strategic foresight and physical resilience, NCSSP is more than just a bootcamp–it's a blueprint for how India prepares its cyber defenders in an era where every second the countdown to August 21 begins, one thing is clear: India is not just reacting to cyber threats–it's preparing to outpace more details or to apply for the NCSSP 2025, visit the official program page: (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
CERT-IN supports off-grid cybersecurity leadership program to build national resilience
Hyderabad, India – The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN), under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), is backing a bold new approach to cybersecurity leadership training in India. As the national nodal agency for cyber incident response, CERT-IN is lending its support to the National Cyber Security Scholar Programme (NCSSP) 2025—a high-intensity, off-grid cybersecurity bootcamp launching August 21 in by the Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC), the three-day residential programme breaks away from conventional classroom formats. Scholars will begin their training in a forest setting—pitching tents, cooking meals, operating HAM radios, and conducting hardware hacking drills—without access to modern digital comforts or controlled environments. 'We are not waiting for cyber threats to strike. We are creating a resilient nation by building a skilled and trusted ecosystem of professionals across all sectors,' said Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-IN. The NCSSP reflects CERT-IN's growing focus on cross-sector capacity building, readiness drills, and public-private collaboration—seen as critical to fortifying India's cybersecurity posture in the face of asymmetric and infrastructure-level threats. 'CERT-IN has played a crucial role in building India's cybersecurity posture. Its commitment to capacity building, rapid response, and global collaboration is unmatched. Programs like NCSSP reflect that forward-looking mindset,' said Dr. M.S. Vijayraghavan, a respected voice in cyber policy. The off-grid training model is designed to simulate the pressure of cyber crisis situations—emphasizing both leadership and adaptability. Sessions include: • IoT and hardware hacking • Lock-picking and RF jamming • Radio-building and HAM communication • Red and blue team simulations • Survival drills involving fire-making, water sourcing, and food foraging Previous NCSSP cohorts included professionals from global technology firms such as Microsoft, Google, Infosys, and SAP Labs. This year's Cohort 7 adds: • IAS and IPS officers • Personnel from CERT-IN, DRDO, UIDAI, and the Ministry of Defence • Professors from IITs and Rashtriya Raksha University • Executives from public sector banks, telecoms, and MSSPs Following the bootcamp, participants will continue through January 2026 with research projects, field visits, and weekly digital modules. Capstone papers will address topics such as critical infrastructure protection, AI-driven threat modelling, cybercrime-terrorism convergence, and digital forensics. Graduates will be inducted into the National Security Database (NSD), India's premier cybersecurity credentialing platform for professionals serving in strategic advisory or operational roles. 'Off-grid training isn't about discomfort; it's about recalibration. It's about rewiring how our leaders think, react, and lead in environments of chaos,' said Rajshekhar Pullabhatla, founder of ISAC. With cyberattacks targeting India's financial systems, defence networks, and smart infrastructure, the NCSSP underscores a national imperative: to train cybersecurity leaders who can navigate complexity—not just with tools, but with composure.
