IIT Madras has launched a new cybersecurity center called the ‘Centre for Cybersecurity, Trust, and Reliability’ (CyStar). The center aims to advance both fundamental and applied research in various domains, including blockchain, AI model security, cryptography, quantum security, and IoT security. The inauguration was attended by Prof V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, along with Centre Coordinators Prof Shweta Agrawal, Prof Chester Rebeiro, and Prof John Augustine from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
Academicians and industry representatives from India and abroad also participated in the event. Prof V Kamakoti emphasized the importance of proactive cyber defense mechanisms to protect the nation against growing cyber threats, not just for financial gains but also targeted sector-wise attacks on critical infrastructure. The center has partnered with various organizations, including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Ministry of Education, Vitesco Technologies, Kaspersky, IDBI Bank, LG India, Saptang Labs, Algorand, Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research, and the National Security Coordination Secretariat.
New cybersecurity center launched
Prof Shweta Agrawal, a Centre Coordinator, expressed excitement about the launch and highlighted the center’s multi-faceted approach, which aims to contribute from fundamental research to real-world applications and foster start-ups. Prof John Augustine, another CyStar Coordinator, stated that the center’s vision is to empower individuals in India’s vast and diverse social and business networks to secure their lives and businesses through platforms designed with security, trust, and reliability in mind.
Prof Chester Rebeiro added that CyStar aims to address critical cybersecurity challenges in the country through fundamental and applied research, outreach programs, and fostering industry-academia relationships. The center will focus on safeguarding critical national infrastructure and providing a holistic defense against advanced technological threats. It aspires to build a knowledge and innovation ecosystem where industry leaders, scholars, and government institutions can collaborate using state-of-the-art technology to integrate and apply advancements in cybersecurity to real-time products and services.
CyStar at IIT Madras plans to develop strategies to address emerging cybersecurity challenges driven by AI and the post-quantum era, ensuring a robust defense mechanism for the nation’s digital landscape.
