By — Shyamal Sinha
In recent years, headlines about cybersecurity have become increasingly common. Thieves steal customer social security numbers from corporations’ computer systems. Unscrupulous hackers grab passwords and personal information from social media sites or pluck company secrets from the cloud. For companies of all sizes, keeping information safe is a growing concern.
In a major step towards empowering cadets with structured training in cyber awareness, digital hygiene and practical cyber defence skills, National Cadet Corps (NCC), in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) has launched a comprehensive Cyber Security Capacity Building Programme. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between NCC and NIELIT in the presence of DG NCC, Lt Gen Virendra Vats, YSM, SM, VSM and DG NIELIT, Dr Madan Mohan Tripathi.
The programme will be implemented in two stages. The first stage, Cyber Security Awareness Programme, is a 15-hour online training module designed to provide foundational knowledge of digital literacy, safe internet practices, cyber hygiene, and awareness of cyber threats. This stage will be open to all enrolled NCC cadets across the country and will be delivered through the NIELIT Digital University platform.
The second stage, Cyber Defender Programme, is an intensive 60-hour offline training designed for selected cadets who qualify through a merit-based screening process. This stage will focus on hands-on training, real-life simulations, and practical exposure to cyber security tools and techniques, enabling cadets to identify and respond to cyber threats effectively.
The initiative aims to create a pool of trained NCC Cyber Cadets who can contribute to spreading cyber awareness, promoting safe digital practices, and supporting cyber security initiatives at the grassroots level. The programme also seeks to align with national priorities under Digital India and the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
Everything is connected by computers and the internet, including communication, entertainment, transportation, shopping, medicine and more. A copious amount of personal information is stored among these various services and apps, which is why both cybersecurity and information security are critical.
