IIT Kanpur, NPTI To Enhance Cyber Security Capabilities For Indian Power Grid
The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK) and the National Power Training Institute (NPTI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost research and training in cyber security for India’s power grid. The agreement was formalised at the C3iHub, IIT Kanpur, attended by key dignitaries including Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of R&D at IIT Kanpur, Dr. Tripta Thakur, Director General of NPTI, and Prof. Sandeep Shukla, Project Director at C3iHub.
The collaboration focuses on creating a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to establish an Operations Technology (OT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) Cyber Security Lab at NPTI. These systems, distinct from IT systems used by power utilities, require robust cyber security measures due to increasing cyber threats.
Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, emphasised the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure from rising cyber-attacks, highlighting the partnership’s role in enhancing India’s cyber security capabilities. Prof. Sandeep Shukla noted that preparing a DPR is a crucial step towards setting up a state-of-the-art lab, which will be more advanced than the existing facilities at C3iHub.
“The occurrence of cyber-attacks and cyber intrusions is increasing, and we should be safeguarding our critical infrastructure and be future ready for any such malicious attacks. I am delighted that IIT Kanpur is partnering with NPTI to enhance the cyber security of India’s power grid. With our extensive expertise in cyber security research, this collaboration strengthens our mission to contribute to the nation’s technological advancements to prevent any further cyber- attacks on critical infrastructure,” Prof Agrawal said.
Dr. Tripta Thakur highlighted the lab’s potential to enhance the skills of power sector professionals through hands-on training and modern technology integration. Prof. Tarun Gupta expressed confidence in IIT Kanpur’s ability to modernise and sustain the national power system through its academic and research strengths.
