Monday, 23rd August 2021

Cyber Security (CS) is extremely important in today’s digital life. Due to the unprecedented surge in cyber-attacks, the demand for Cyber Security talent in various industries across India is increasing in leaps and bounds. The field of Cyber Security brings out many job opportunities as organizations are always on the lookout for skilled professionals, who can protect the companies’ information and ensure that its vital and privacy of data is not breached. According to an estimate, the Cyber Security market in India is expected to grow upto USD 3.05 billion by 2022. In response to the above demand, there is an imperative societal need to prepare the students to meet the future industry requirements in the area of Cyber Security. The Center of Excellence (CoE) in Cyber Security at CIT is established in association with Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC) & SkillsDA, Chennai as a next vertical under self sustaining mode of CIT-TLC in line with National Cyber Security Strategy 2020. The CoE-CS was inaugurated on 23 rd August, 2021 presided by Dr. S.R.K.Prasad, Correspondent, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore.

The inaugural function of CIT-TLC-CoE-CS commenced with Ribbon Cutting and initiating the CoE by Mr. S.Rajiv Rangasami, Director, CIT Institutions, followed by Saraswathi Vandana and Virtual Lamp lighting. The formal welcome address was given by Dr. A.Rajeswari, Principal I/C, Coimbatore Institute of Technology. The presidential address was given by Dr. S.R.K. Prasad, Correspondent, CIT Institutions. In his address he highlighted the need for cyber security in the current digital world. He further added that, the CoE-CS will be an eye opener for others, and in future few more centers of excellence can be established moving towards Industry 4.0 in CIT.

The milestones of the center were briefed by Dr. V.Manikandan, Professor/EEE, CIT. On behalf of the technical team, Mr. KarthickVarma of ISAC showcased and demonstrated the cyber security components at CoE in cyber security.

The Guest of Honour for the inauguration, Lt General (Dr) Rajesh Pant, PVSM AVSM VSM (Retd), National Cyber Security Coordinator & Special Secretary to Government of India, PMO, New Delhi focused on the significant impact that cybercrime has on economies worldwide. He indicated that, due to cyber crime we are losing six trillions of money each year and he also advised that the CoE has to focus on few specific areas and build expertise progressively. The Chief Guest for the program Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi, appreciated the initiative taken by CIT-TLC in setting up Center of Excellence in Cyber Security. He further stated that, in addition to teaching cyber security, it is also necessary to make the learners understand the importance of practicing ethics. He also suggested COE, CIT collaborating with IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur for further progress.

The technical partner for the CoE, Group Captain P Aanand Naidu (Retd), (Director, ISAC, New Delhi) stated the role and responsibility of ISAC in the operation of the CoE. The knowledge partner for CoE, Mr. K. V. Ramesh, Managing Director, SkillsDA, Chennai, highlighted the need to create quality cyber security experts who can help in developing a cyber safe country. Ms. Santha Subramoni, Global Head, Cyber security Solutions, Tata Consultancy Services stressed that it is of paramount importance to develop skilled and employable cyber security personnel to fill the skill gap in corporate sectors.

The website for CIT-TLC-CoE-CS was launched by Dr. V. Selladurai, Adviser, CIT Institutions. Dr. R. Prabhakar, Secretary, CIT Institutions, appreciated the contribution of our Alumnus Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, TATA Sons and SkillsDA for their support in setting up the CoE and proposed vote of thanks.

Finally the program concluded with the national anthem at 12.55 PM on 23 rd August, 2021.