Lucknow: A national-level training programme on Cyber Security and Digital Forensics commenced at the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS), Lucknow, with Inspector General, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Uttar Pradesh, Prem Kumar Gautam, IPS, inaugurating the session as the chief guest. He was welcomed and felicitated with an angavastram and memento by UPSIFS Additional Director Rajeev Malhotra and Deputy Director Chiranjiv Mukherjee.
In his inaugural address, IG Gautam emphasised that digital footprints are omnipresent and that modern life is inseparable from cyberspace, making its protection an urgent necessity.
“In-depth cyber security knowledge is crucial for officials today. Digital data has become the new currency, and whoever controls data holds immense power,” he said.
Gautam highlighted the investigative challenges posed by the fact that most social media servers are located outside India, making data retrieval and evidence collection difficult. He noted that fake identities, impersonation, and fabricated cases have become rampant on social platforms.
He expressed serious concern over foreign intelligence agencies misusing digital tools, along with rising cases of financing through covert channels. “Crypto transactions, hawala networks, shell companies, and their interconnected systems have made investigations increasingly complex,” he added.
The IG also drew attention to the surge in honey-trap cases, warning participants about targeted digital manipulation and cyber luring. Advising officers to remain vigilant, he said,
“Be aware yourself, stay alert to your surroundings, and understand the entire cyber ecosystem.”
He extended his best wishes to all trainees for the course ahead.
Additional Director Rajeev Malhotra provided an overview of the institute and the training module, informing that 40 police officers—from sub-inspector to deputy superintendent level—are participating from Delhi, Kerala, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.
The curriculum includes key subjects such as:
- cybercrime trends and reporting,
- digital evidence management and legal frameworks,
- data protection,
- emerging technologies and AI-driven threats,
- OSINT and financial fraud analysis,
- social media forensics, and
- international cybercrime investigation methods.
Deputy Director Chiranjiv Mukherjee delivered the vote of thanks.
Among those present were Vivek Kumar, A.R. Chandra Mohan Singh, PRO Santosh Kumar Tiwari, RI Brijesh Kumar Singh, Dr. Manish Rai, Dr. Palak Aneja, Girjesh Rai, Shailendra Singh, Amar Singh, and other faculty members.
