IIT Kanpur, NMDC Partner to Boost Cybersecurity in Mining

• IIT Kanpur partners with NMDC to strengthen cybersecurity and AI in mining.
• Collaboration includes risk assessments, vulnerability analysis, and digital modernization initiatives.
• C3iHub leads pilot programs to enhance technical capacity and sector-wide scalability.

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) and NMDC Limited have established a partnership aimed at enhancing the application of cybersecurity, information security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and digital modernization within the mining sector. This initiative focuses on strengthening NMDC’s IT and operational technology (OT) environments via specific cyber risk assessments, investigating vulnerabilities, and developing security governance frameworks

As stated in an official communication, "The collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening cyber resilience and accelerating digital transformation in India’s mining sector," highlighting the aim of both organizations to enhance technical standards and security measures throughout mining activities.

Satyendra Rai, the executive director of digital transformation at NMDC Limited, along with the dean of research & development from IIT Kanpur, oversaw the signing, with Manindra Agrawal and representatives from NMDC and I-Hub NTIHAC Foundation (C3iHub) in attendance.

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Technical contributions from IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub are fundamental to the partnership. C3iHub will carry out risk assessments, vulnerability evaluations, SOC performance analyses, and develop incident response strategies tailored to meet mining-specific needs. Moreover, both partners will lead technology pilot programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing technical capacity, with pilot results evaluated to assess their potential for sector-wide scaling.

Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, stated, "At IIT Kanpur, we have a strong research expertise in the domains of cybersecurity and AI, addressing challenges of national interest. I am confident that this collaboration will not only strengthen cyber resilience across NMDC’s operations but also foster the development of transformative technologies in AI, machine learning, and smart industrial systems in mining applications."