First cyber intelligence lab at Cochin University of Science and Technology

Kochi: The state’s first cyber intelligence laboratory set up at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) is ready and the authorities plan to use it for providing technical aid to the Kerala police in the investigation of cyber crimes. “The basic infrastructure such as equipment and software for the laboratory has been set up. It’s ready for operation with activities like cyber forensic retrieval of evidence from devices such as computer and pen-drives,” said Dr  K.V. Pramod, associate professor, department of computer applications.

However, two more softwares need to be purchased for dealing with cyber issues related to mobile phones. “The state government has now allotted Rs 20 lakh besides the earlier Rs 30 lakh granted  to make the laboratory fully functional. The remaining software costs around Rs13 lakh each. Efforts are on to install them at the earliest,” the official said. Though initially the activities would be limited to academic and research purposes, the university would soon forward a request to the state government seeking its nod to make the facility an authentic centre for cyber forensic works of the Kerala police with respect to cyber crimes.

“There are also legal hurdles like  acceptance of the digital evidence by courts. However,  we’ll strive for aiding the police in cyber crimes,” Mr Pramod said. Recently, the department had held a five-day international workshop, ‘Cyber Cube-2017,’ to discuss topics such as cyber intelligence research, development and applications of cyber security, cyber forensics and cyber law. The experts in the field, including retired Kerala police and Intelligence Bureau, participated in it.
“We’ll start certificates courses first before expanding the centre’s activities,” he said.