Empowering Cyber Security Expertise: JNU Hosts Atal AICTE-Sponsored Faculty Development Program on Advanced Cyber Security

The School of Computer and System Sciences (SC&SS) at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, successfully hosted the Atal AICTE-Sponsored Two-Week Faculty Development Program (FDP) on “Advanced Cyber Security: Research, Theoretical, and Practical Approaches.” Held from February 3 to February 15, 2025, the program aimed to equip faculty members, research scholars, and students with advanced knowledge and skills in cyber security. Sponsored by Atal AICTE, New Delhi, the event attracted participation from 52 faculty members and researchers from institutions across India.

Program Overview The FDP was meticulously designed to address the growing complexities of cyber threats and the need for cutting-edge expertise in cyber security. It focused on providing participants with theoretical insights, practical training, and exposure to real-world challenges through interactive sessions, industry visits, and hands-on workshops.

Inauguration Ceremony The program was inaugurated by a distinguished panel of guests:

• Professor R.K. Sharma, IIT Delhi (Chief Guest),
• Dr. Pawan Bhardwaj, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), New Delhi (Guest of Honor), and
• Dr. Prashant Kharat, AICTE, New Delhi (Guest of Honor).

Their inspiring addresses set the tone for the program, emphasizing the critical role of cyber security in safeguarding digital ecosystems and fostering innovation.

Expert-Led Sessions The FDP featured a series of engaging sessions delivered by renowned experts from academia, industry, and government organizations. Key resource persons included:

• Professor R.K. Sharma (IIT Delhi),
• Professor S.N. Nakvi (Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi),
• Dr. Karn Singh (JNU),
• Professor D.K. Lobiyal (JNU),
• Dr. Anup Girdhar (Scientific Analysis Group, DRDO),
• Dr. Tayyab Khan (IIIT Sonipat),
• Dr. Indiwar Gupta (DRDO),
• Dr. K.K. Pandian (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology),
• Gurucharan (Centre for Development of Telematics, Chandigarh),
• Dr. Sushil Kumar (JNU),
• Dr. Pavan Duggal (Cyber Law Expert and Supreme Court Advocate), and
• Dr. Sudhar (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team — Cert-In).

Additionally, industry experts Mr. Nitin Chauhan (Third Eye) and Mr. Vipan Gupta (U-Net) conducted full-day training sessions, offering participants valuable insights into emerging trends and tools in cyber security.

Industry Exposure Participants benefited from industrial visits to:

1. IFSFO Delhi Police, Dwarka: Participants gained firsthand experience in addressing cybercrime investigations and digital forensics.
2. Third Eye Private Limited, Okhla, New Delhi: This visit provided exposure to innovative solutions and technologies used in combating cyber threats.

These visits bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling participants to understand real-world cyber security challenges.

Key Activities

1. Interactive Discussions: Article discussions and brainstorming sessions enhanced participants’ research capabilities and encouraged collaborative learning.
2. Project Presentations: Participants worked on projects that addressed contemporary cyber security issues, showcasing their understanding and problem-solving skills.
3. Reflection Journals: Participants documented their learnings and insights throughout the program, fostering deeper engagement.
4. Evaluation: A comprehensive evaluation process, including project presentations, reflection journals, and industry reports, ensured a holistic assessment of participants’ performance. Evaluators included: — Professor Ratneshwar (JNU), — Dr. Sushil Kumar (JNU), and — Dinesh (Oracle, USA).

Certification Ceremony Certificates were awarded to 25 successful participants during the valedictory ceremony, presided over by:

• B.S. Jaiswal, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), New Delhi (Chief Guest), and
• Dr. Madhukar Maruti Vavare, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi (Guest of Honor).

Their remarks highlighted the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in addressing the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Impact and Outcomes The FDP provided participants with a unique platform to gain practical insights and hands-on experience from leading experts in cyber security. Key outcomes included:

• Enhanced understanding of advanced cyber security concepts and methodologies,
• Exposure to real-world challenges through industrial visits and expert-led sessions,
• Development of innovative solutions to address pressing cyber security issues,
• Strengthened collaboration between academia and industry.

The program empowered participants with the latest tools and techniques to tackle emerging cyber threats effectively, ensuring they remain at the forefront of this dynamic field.

Organizing Team The FDP was coordinated by:

• Dr. Karn Singh, and
• Professor D.K. Lobiyal, Faculty Members at SC&SS, JNU.

The program’s framework was conceptualized and designed by Professor Zahid Raza, Dean of the School of Computer and System Sciences, JNU.

This Atal AICTE-Sponsored FDP not only enriched participants’ knowledge and skills but also fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration in the field of cyber security. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, the program laid a strong foundation for addressing the challenges of an increasingly digital world. It underscored the importance of staying ahead in the rapidly evolving domain of cyber security and inspired participants to contribute meaningfully to this critical field.