The British Deputy High Commissioner to the North and North East India, Dr Andrew Flemming, embarked on a comprehensive two-day visit to delve into the collaborative global efforts between the United Kingdom and India to discuss Cybersecurity cooperation between the two countries on Wednesday and Thursday. The visit included key meetings at the Ranchi University CyberPeace Centre of Excellence, the CyberPeace Secretariat at Ranchi, and the launch of the CyberPeace Café and the Social Media Creators’ Studio.
During the visit, discussions cantered around the Indo-UK partnership in Cybersecurity and the pivotal role played by the CyberPeace in fortifying digital security measures.
One of the highlights of the engagement was the revelation of the Postgraduate Diploma course in Cybersecurity, a collaborative effort between the CyberPeace Foundation, Ranchi University, and The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers.
On Wednesday His Excellency immersed himself in discussions with key stakeholders at the Ranchi University CyberPeace Centre of Excellence, gaining a profound understanding of the operational mechanisms, attack monitoring procedures, and research activities conducted by the center. Expressing keen interest in the Centre's functions, Dr. Flemming commended it as "one of the most sophisticated networks run here." He further delved into the reports published by the CyberPeace, acknowledging the significance of their contributions in addressing Cybersecurity threats faced in daily lives.
Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Flemming stated, "I have been learning about a lot of things during my visit here, including Jharkhand's link to Cybersecurity and Jharkhand's contributions to both positive and negative aspects of Cybersecurity. Computer networks and data services underpin every aspect of our lives. This is crucial for the ambitious goals that my office has set up to transform the UK-India relationship, encompassing increased trade, defense cooperation, interaction between our people, and collaboration in scientific, technological, and health spaces. The breakthroughs in these areas also depend on resilient cyber networks to keep information flowing effectively."
Further emphasizing on the importance of the PG Diploma Cybersecurity course run at the Ranchi University by the Foundation, and the potential opportunities that come with pursuing the PG Diploma in Cybersecurity at Ranchi University, His Excellency stated, "There is a possibility of collaboration with Ranchi University to study in the field of Cybersecurity here. There will be numerous opportunities in the field, with a surge in job openings and a substantial demand for Cybersecurity personnel, not only in Jharkhand but throughout the world." He further added that prospective students, professionals, and individuals keen on exploring a career in Cybersecurity may reach out to CyberPeace or Ranchi University for further information.
Major Vineet Kumar, the Founder and Global President briefed Dr Flemming on the CyberPeace Cluster-East announcement at Ranchi this year under the UK-India Cyber Cooperation and also on the CyberPeace Café, World’s first of its kind Cafe for Gamers, Creators and Innovators the occasion remarked, “In recent days, Jharkhand has been acknowledged as a hub for cybercrimes; however, our goal with the establishment of the CyberPeace Cluster-East, CyberPeace Cafe and Centre of Excellence on Cybersecurity at Ranchi University, is to provide an ecosystem and a platform to the upcoming generation who are interested in this field, along with providing them with skills. We also aim to change the image of Jharkhand, which is at present known as the hub of cybercrimes, to a Global hub of Cybersecurity.”
The CyberPeace Café setup and the Social Media Creators’ Studio launched by British Deputy High Commissioner at Ranchi represents a unique initiative that seeks to create a conducive environment for individuals interested in the field of not only Cybersecurity but also e-Sports. By offering a comprehensive platform, the Café aims to empower the youth with essential skills, research, knowledge, and resources necessary to excel in the field of e-sports which has now even been introduced as a sport in the Global Competitions. Meanwhile, the Social Media Creators’ Studio caters to the growing demand for a collaborative and conducive environment where creators can produce engaging content, including creative videos and social media reels. This studio is not just a physical space; it's a creative ecosystem that offers not only the necessary infrastructure but also a vibrant ambiance that fosters inspiration.
Overall, the visit underscores the shared commitment of the United Kingdom and India in addressing the evolving challenges of Cybersecurity through strategic collaborations and knowledge-sharing initiatives. It reinforces the pivotal role played by academic institutions and organizations like the CyberPeace in advancing global Cybersecurity cooperation efforts.
