CHANDIGARH: Panjab University (PU), a premier institution of higher education, has entered into a significant Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC), India’s leading not-for-profit Cyber Security Foundation, to establish the CopConnect Cyber Wellness Center at the Centre for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (CSDE), Panjab University, Chandigarh. This initiative is supported by ZscalerInc. under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
The MoA signing ceremony took place in the Office of the Registrar, Panjab University. Representing ISAC were Group Captain P. Aanand Naidu (Retd), Executive Director of ISAC, and Mr. Rajshekhar Pullabhatla, Founder Director of ISAC. From Panjab University, Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar; Prof. Yojana Rawat, Director RDC; Prof. K. Saluja, Secretary to VC; Prof. Suveera Gill, Honorary Director, CSDE; and Dr. Vishal Sharma, Coordinator, CSDE, formalized the agreement.
The CopConnect Cyber Wellness Center is a first-of-its-kind facility designed to address the rising challenges posed by cybercrime in India. The CopConnect platformbrings together an interdisciplinary team of experts, including cybercrime lawyers, psychologists, first responders, and technical specialists, to address cybercrime issues rapidly and effectively.
A Comprehensive Support Ecosystem for Cybercrime Victims
The CopConnect Cyber Wellness Center offers victims of cybercrime a safe space to seek assistance and guidance. Any individual affected by cybercrime can walk into the center to receive:
• Rapid Response Support: Immediate guidance on handling cybercrime incidents.
• Interdisciplinary Expertise: Access to lawyers for legal support, psychologists for emotional well-being, and technical experts for forensic and investigative assistance.
• Complaint Documentation and Filing: Assistance in documenting incidents and filing complaints on national cybercrime portals.
• Tailored Guidance: Personalized solutions to navigate cybercrime challenges and secure the right assistance for resolution.
This initiative ensures a victim-centric approach, enabling individuals to gain clarity and confidence in addressing cybercrime while reducing the gap between reporting and resolution.
Objectives of the MoA
1. Skill Development in Cybersecurity: Establish cutting-edge infrastructure such as the Cyber Range Phygital Labs to train students, professionals, and law enforcement personnel in cybersecurity and emerging technologies with an emphasis on professional ethics at workplace.
2. Comprehensive Support for Cybercrime Victims: Provide a hub where victims can access multi-disciplinary expertise and rapid assistance.
3. Collaborative Research and Innovation: Promote research in emerging areas of cybersecurity and foster innovation.
4. Capacity Building for Law Enforcement: Equip agencies with advanced tools and knowledge to combat cybercrime effectively.
5. Cybercrime Awareness: Conduct campaigns to educate the public on cyber risks and safe online practices.
Benefits of the Collaboration
• Enhanced Employability: Industry-relevant training for students and professionals to build expertise in cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
• Strengthened Academia-Industry Synergy: Collaboration with ISAC to foster innovation.
• Law Enforcement Preparedness: Improved capabilities for combating cybercrime.
• Victim Empowerment: A dedicated center to address cybercrime victims’ needs, bridging the gap between reporting and resolution.
· National Security Contribution: Contribute to India’s digital security and sustainable development goals.
A Vision for Cyber Wellness and Digital Security
Group Captain P. Aanand Naidu (Retd), Executive Director of ISAC, remarked, “The CopConnect Cyber Wellness Center is a vital step towards addressing the growing challenges of cybercrime in India. By combining interdisciplinary expertise and cutting-edge technology, this center not only empowers individuals but also builds a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem.”
Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar of Panjab University, emphasized, “This collaboration with ISAC reaffirms Panjab University’s commitment to innovation, skill development, and societal well-being. The Cyber Wellness Center will transform the way cybercrime is addressed, offering rapid support and creating a safer digital future for all.”
A Milestone for Cybersecurity and Public Support
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Panjab University’s mission to enhance academic and societal contributions in cybersecurity. Supported by ISAC’s expertise, the CopConnect Cyber Wellness Center bridges the gap between cybersecurity awareness, victim support, and skill development, contributing to a secure and inclusive digital India.