IIT Kanpur to host global cyber security challenge

The event, founded by the New York University Tandon School of Engineering, has expanded this year to NYU Abu Dhabi & IIT-K

Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K) has become a part of the world’s largest student-run cyber security challenge to be held simultaneously in Abu Dhabi and IIT-K campus in November 2016.

The event, founded by the New York University Tandon School of Engineering, has expanded this year to NYU Abu Dhabi and IIT-K, where finalists from India, West Asia, North Africa and the United States will compete.

The various competitions will challenge their knowledge of the multifarious aspects of information security, from hardware and software penetration testing and protection to digital forensics and government policy.

The competing and successful students would participate in the final rounds to be held during November 10-12, 2016 at IIT Kanpur, NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Tandon.

Besides, at the regional Cyber Security Awareness Week (CSAW) campuses, students would network with top professionals, hear experts address emerging issues, meet recruiters in the backdrop of projected shortfall of 1.5 million cyber security professionals by 2020.

The CSAW games were founded by Prof Nasir Memon, now chair of the NYU Tandon Department of Computer Science and Engineering, an IIT-K communiqué said. He also heads NYU Abu Dhabi’s cyber security program.

"Data security is a critical global issue. Attackers know no national boundaries, and neither should those who protect our personal privacy and institutions," he said.

"We are pleased that IIT-K, a world-leading engineering school, recognised the ability of CSAW to engage and educate information security students and decided to introduce the contests to students throughout India," Memon added.

"IIT Kanpur is delighted to join hands with the New York University Tandon School of Engineering to bring cyber security awareness competitions to India. We hope that Indian institutes and universities will participate in large numbers and exhibit competitiveness against teams from all over the world," IIT-K faculty in Department of Computer Science and Engineering Prof Manindra Agrawal said.