UGC Brings New Courses on Cyber Security and Data Protection

On Thursday, the University Grants Commission (UGC) launched new courses on cyber security and data protection for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The launch marked the occasion of Cyber Jagrukta Divas 2022, with a primary goal to help students from non-technical streams to develop an understanding of cyber security issues.

Speaking on the occasion, UGC chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar said, “Cyber security as a subject needs to be incorporated at graduation and postgraduation level in all streams. The syllabus of these courses aims to create aware, responsive, and responsible digital citizens, thereby contributing effectively to an overall healthy cybersecurity posture and ecosystem.” 

Kumar said that the higher education institutions (HEIs) will be allowed to invite IT-qualified faculty or cyber security experts from the industry to take lectures and give tutorials. According to the UGC-issued syllabus, students at the UG level will study basic and mid-level concepts whereas postgraduate students will cover mid- and advanced-level concepts. The undergraduate syllabus includes topics such as introduction to cyber security, cybercrime and laws, e-commerce, social-media overview, digital payments, and digital devices security.

The syllabus document read, “Upon completion of this module, students will be able to understand basic security aspects related to computers and mobile. They will be able to use basic tools and technologies to protect their devices.” 

The document further elaborates that upon completion of the modules, students will have an understanding of the legal framework that exists in India for cybercrime, including aspects related to personal data privacy and security. It would also include insights on the Data Protection Bill, 2019, along with data privacy and security concerns related to social media platforms.