IIT Madras launches CyStar to boost cybersecurity research and innovation

IIT Madras has launched the Centre for Cybersecurity, Trust and Reliability (CyStar) to drive cutting-edge research and innovations in cybersecurity. The centre will focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure and addressing security challenges across various industries.

In Short

• IIT Madras launches CyStar to boost India's cybersecurity
• Focus areas include blockchain, AI security, and cryptography
• Centre inaugurated by IIT Madras Director and global experts

In a bid to strengthen India’s cybersecurity landscape, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched the Centre for Cybersecurity, Trust and Reliability (CyStar). The centre aims to foster both fundamental and applied research, focusing on safeguarding critical infrastructure and addressing the growing cybersecurity needs of industries such as finance, healthcare, automotive, and electronics.

FOCUS ON CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES

CyStar will spearhead research in several cutting-edge fields, including blockchain technology, security for AI models, cryptography, quantum security, and IoT security. This research will not only enhance India's cybersecurity infrastructure but also stimulate innovations that can be applied globally.

The centre was inaugurated on October 8, 2024, in a ceremony led by Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, along with CyStar coordinators Professor Shweta Agrawal, Professor Chester Rebeiro, and Professor John Augustine, all from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Madras. Eminent academicians and industry leaders from around the world also participated in the event.

ADDRESSING THE NATION'S SECURITY NEEDS

At the launch, Professor V. Kamakoti emphasised the importance of proactive cyber defence mechanisms to safeguard India’s critical infrastructure. He highlighted the growing cyber threats, not only for financial gains but also through sector-specific attacks that target vital national systems. “With the rise in targeted attacks on our infrastructure, efforts like CyStar are crucial for national security,” said Prof. Kamakoti.

The centre’s multidisciplinary research team is well-equipped to address these challenges, with a diverse range of expertise that spans different aspects of cybersecurity.

COLLABORATIONS WITH GLOBAL PARTNERS

CyStar is not just a national endeavour—it will collaborate with global and local academic institutions, industry, and research bodies. This will equip students, professionals, and researchers with the skills needed to tackle the increasingly complex security challenges of today and tomorrow.

The centre’s key partners include the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Education, Vitesco Technologies, Kaspersky, IDBI Bank, LG India, Saptang Labs, Algorand, and the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research, amongst others.

MULTI-FACETED APPROACH TO CYBERSECURITY

Professor Shweta Agrawal, one of the coordinators at CyStar, expressed her excitement about the centre’s launch. “We aim to bring together a diverse team of experts to tackle cybersecurity challenges from multiple angles—ranging from fundamental research to real-world applications. Our goal is to foster start-ups and innovations in this space,” she said.

Professor John Augustine added that India’s vast and distributed networks demand unique solutions tailored to diverse security needs. He noted, “CyStar’s vision is to empower individuals and businesses by providing secure platforms built on trust and reliability.”

Bridging Industry and Academia
The centre also aims to strengthen the relationship between academia and industry. According to Prof. Chester Rebeiro, CyStar will achieve this by engaging in applied research, conducting outreach programs, and fostering partnerships with industry leaders. “By focusing on both fundamental research and practical applications, we can develop solutions that address the most pressing cybersecurity challenges facing the nation,” he said.

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CyStar’s mission extends beyond academia. Its key focus is to safeguard critical national infrastructure against emerging cybersecurity threats, including those driven by artificial intelligence and post-quantum technologies. By developing a comprehensive strategy, the centre aims to create holistic defenses against advanced cyber threats.

Looking ahead, CyStar envisions becoming a hub of knowledge and innovation, where industry leaders, scholars, and government bodies can collaborate on developing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. By integrating state-of-the-art technology with real-world applications, CyStar aims to contribute significantly to the global cybersecurity ecosystem.