Govt to team up with IT firms to set up cyber security centre

Talks on with companies to offer industry-specific courses

 The Karnataka government is in touch with various information technology companies for collaboration to set up a Centre for Excellence in Cyber Security in Bengaluru.

The proposal is to offer both short and long-term industry-specific job certification courses for engineering students and practising engineers as an add-on to their careers.

Besides protecting computers, networks and data from unauthorised access, cyber security has become more relevant in the current scenario as there has been a substantial rise in the volume of digital payments and the use of instruments such as mobile wallets.

“We are looking at multiple partners with each specialising in a particular facet of cyber security. A few companies specialise in data protection and others have expertise in firewalls and curbing online hacking. We have started the process of talking to companies,” Minister of State for Information Technology and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge said.

The government is keen to replicate the ‘Centre of Excellence in Aerospace and Defence’ model for cyber security too.  The state government has entered into an agreement with French multinational software company Dassault Systemes to impart courses in aerospace and defence sectors using 3D design and 3D digital mock-up software programmes.

The course content is being worked out by Visvesvaraya Technological University in association with Dassault Systemes. The total cost of the project is Rs 288 crore with Dassault Systemes contributing Rs 250 crore in the form of software package, software updation, licence charges, faculty and training. “The cost-sharing factor works out for the government. The companies for their part get skilled professionals with hands-on training to work in their field of expertise,” the minister said.

The government is also planning to set up a “Centre of Excellence in Data Sciences and Artificial Intelligence”. Kharge said IBM has shown interest in the venture. “I recently visited IBM where a demonstration was given on their Watson Analytics, their advanced super computer that combines artificial intelligence and data analytics. We will continue our interaction with IBM,” Kharge said.