IIT Kanpur’s eMasters degree program in Cyber Security to address industry demand and strengthen the workforce
- For the next batch starting in January 2023, the applications close on 12th November 2022
With the rapid evolution of the Internet, along with life-changing advantages, cyber threats are also on the rise. According to Gartner, by 2025, 45% of organizations might face attacks on their software supply chains. With data multiplying, the risk of attack on important information systems, critical infrastructure, and personal devices also multiplies. As per reports, India is about to have over 1.5 million job vacancies in cyber security sector by 2025 and to meet this upcoming talent gap, India needs to have a well-equipped and skilled workforce for the changing cyber security landscape. Keeping this in view, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur is offering a carefully curated and unique eMasters degree program on Cyber Security for working professionals.
Developed by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Kanpur, this executive-friendly program is taught by world-class faculty and researchers from IIT Kanpur. Working professionals have the flexibility to complete the 60-credit 12-module industry-focused curriculum between 1-3 years. The selection into this program is based on one’s academic and professional background. Therefore, GATE score is not required.
Last year itself, India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) recorded over 14 lakhs cyber-attack incidents. Banking systems, communications, railways, armed forces, power sectors are some of the critical infrastructures that are affected by cyber threats. Apart from that, advent of technologies like AI and IoT has led to the increase of ransomware threats. Last year, India saw an estimated 120% increase in ransomware attacks. Although most of them are from third-party attackers, there is significant increase in attacks expected from insiders in near future. Data breaches, hacking, foreign espionage, and cyber phishing are some key categories plaguing cyber security in India. Usage of cloud-based services, sharing unauthorized data, financial exchanges on digital payment platforms, social media communication, net banking, e-commerce are also providing attack surfaces to the growing cyber threats. With the threat landscape expanding, the necessity for more skilled professionals is also becoming a priority.
The eMasters degree program from IIT Kanpur comes in to assist professionals build capabilities for an evolving and volatile threat environment. It will thoroughly train professionals in the methods and technologies of Cyber Security. Professionals and cyber security enthusiasts will also become well-versed with the latest concepts to effectively manoeuver through the changing scenarios of the field. The well-researched real-world curriculum includes detailed modules on cryptography, machine learning, IoT security from nascent to advanced stages, to name a few.
Dr. Manindra Agarwal, Professor at Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Kanpur, says “Over 85 participants of Batch 1 are reaping great benefits as this futuristic program prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow. The participants gain theoretical knowledge along with a hands-on experience of tools and technologies, which when put into practice helps mitigate upcoming risks with utmost expertise and vigor. This unique eMasters degree offers experienced professionals a chance to hone their skills from a premium institution like IIT Kanpur without pausing their respective careers. This one-of-a-kind program enables them to stay ahead of the competition with future-proof training.”
The program offers a high-impact format with weekend-only live interactive classes coupled with self-paced learning. The program offers a credits transfer facility where a waiver of up to 60 credits can be transferred for higher education (MTech/PhD) at IIT Kanpur. Participants of the program get access to the IIT Kanpur placement cell, incubation cell, and alumni network, making it a unique career advancement and networking experience. The immersive learning experience makes professionals garner world-class Cybersecurity expertise.
Depending on the prevailing situations, the program plans to offer a campus visit to IIT Kanpur, which would open varied scopes of interactions between professionals, and eminent faculty from different fields. Choosing this program will help professionals level up their Cyber Security expertise to overcome futuristic challenges. Unlike most other diploma or professional courses, the eMasters degree program at IIT Kanpur also gives formal Senate-approved degrees at the convocation. After a successful stint of Batch 1, the applications for Batch 2 starting in January 2023, are closing on 12th November 2022. To know more about the program and apply, click here: https://emasters.iitk.ac.in/cybersecurity