IIT Kanpur and NPTI Join Hands to Enhance Cyber Security in India’s Power Grid

A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK), and the National Power Training Institute (NPTI) marks a significant milestone in the realm of cyber security for India’s power grid. This collaboration aims to strengthen research and training capabilities to safeguard the nation’s critical infrastructure against the rising threat of cyberattacks.

IIT Kanpur, established in 1959 and recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India, is renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, as well as its groundbreaking research and development contributions. By partnering with NPTI, IIT Kanpur seeks to leverage its expertise in cybersecurity to enhance the security of the country’s power systems.

The MoU outlines the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for establishing an Operations Technology (OT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Cyber Security Lab at NPTI. These systems, crucial in today’s cyber threat landscape, play a vital role in ensuring the security and resilience of power infrastructure.

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, emphasized the importance of the collaboration in light of increasing cyber threats. He underscored the need to protect critical infrastructure and ensure preparedness against malicious cyberattacks. Prof. Agrawal expressed his delight in partnering with NPTI to bolster the cyber security of India’s power grid and contribute to the nation’s technological advancements in preventing cyber threats.

Prof. Sandeep Shukla, Project Director of C3iHub at IIT Kanpur, highlighted the significance of the DPR in realizing the vision of a state-of-the-art Power Systems OT and SCADA Lab. He emphasized that the lab would provide training for power system operators in OT and SCADA security, equipping them with essential skills to defend against cyber threats.

Dr. Tripta Thakur, Director General of NPTI, emphasized the potential impact of the lab on enhancing the skills of power sector professionals. She reiterated NPTI’s commitment to providing advanced technological training and support for integrating modern technologies in the power sector. Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of R&D at IIT Kanpur, emphasized the institute’s role in modernizing the national power system and ensuring its sustainability and efficiency.

The signing ceremony took place at the C3iHub, IIT Kanpur, with distinguished dignitaries in attendance. This partnership represents a significant step towards fortifying India’s power grid cyber security infrastructure, reflecting the shared commitment of IIT Kanpur and NPTI to advance the nation’s technological capabilities and resilience.

Prior collaborations by IIT Kanpur, such as the ‘Cyber Security Vocational Program’ with CSJMU Kanpur and CSJMIF, demonstrate the institute’s dedication to enhancing cybersecurity education and training. The collaboration with NPTI is a strategic move to address the evolving cyber security challenges faced by India’s power grid, aiming to equip professionals with the skills to defend against cyber threats and strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity framework and critical infrastructure resilience.

In conclusion, collaborations like the one between IIT Kanpur and NPTI are crucial in ensuring the security and stability of vital national infrastructure in the face of evolving cyber threats. This partnership underscores India’s commitment to technological advancement and resilience, setting a strong foundation for future cybersecurity endeavors.

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