Cyber crime has become a major challenge for governments, police forces and security agencies across the world. With the rapid growth of mobile phones, internet services, digital payments and social media, people have become more connected than ever before. However, this digital growth has also created new opportunities for criminals. A fake phone call, a misleading message or a suspicious link can cause a person to lose years of savings within minutes.

Cyber criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to cheat people, steal personal information and attack computer systems. Their victims include ordinary citizens, business owners, financial institutions and government organisations. As a result, dealing with cyber crime has become an important responsibility for law enforcement agencies. It also requires greater public awareness, technical knowledge and trained professionals who can investigate such crimes.

Recognising this growing challenge, Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, is launching an Advanced Certificate Programme in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics. The programme will be conducted through the university's Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Centre (CSDFC), in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Patna. The Cyber Crime and Security Unit (CCSU) of Bihar Police, Government of Bihar, will be the law enforcement partner.

The 60-hour programme will run from November 21 to December 20, 2026. Classes will be held on Saturdays and Sundays, with both in-person and live online learning facilities. The initiative aims to develop skills in cyber security, digital investigation and the handling of electronic evidence.

New methods of cyber crime

Cyber crime is no longer limited to hacking computers or stealing passwords. Criminals are increasingly using psychological pressure, fear and deception to target unsuspecting people. They may pose as bank officials, police officers or representatives of government agencies to convince victims that they are facing a serious problem.

In some cases, people are threatened with arrest and told that they can avoid legal action by transferring money. Such scams are commonly associated with the term “digital arrest”. Criminals also use fake investment schemes, fraudulent job offers, online shopping scams and payment-related tricks involving QR codes and UPI transactions.

Cyber crime also poses a threat to businesses and public institutions. Ransomware attacks can lock important files and demand money for their release. Attacks on critical infrastructure can disrupt essential services and affect public safety. These risks make cyber security an important issue not only for individuals but also for the country's economic and national security.

Why specialised training matters

Preventing cyber crime requires more than laws and arrests. Investigators must understand how digital systems work, how criminals operate online and how electronic evidence can be collected and examined. They must also know how to preserve evidence so that it can be presented properly in court.

Digital forensics plays a key role in this process. It involves the scientific examination of digital devices and information, including mobile phones, computers, emails, servers and online accounts. Such an examination can help investigators identify the methods used in a crime, trace digital activities and establish links between suspects and incidents.

The CNLU programme seeks to connect technical knowledge with legal and investigative skills. Its curriculum will cover eight modules, including cyber security fundamentals, networking and network security, ethical hacking, penetration testing, malware analysis, incident response, digital forensics, cyber crime investigation and open-source intelligence (OSINT).

Participants will also study cyber laws, privacy and governance, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the international information security standard ISO/IEC 27001. A final practical exercise and assessment will help evaluate their learning.

Practical learning and expert guidance

The programme will offer guided practical exposure to tools used in cyber security and digital investigations. The teaching team will include CNLU faculty members, C-DAC experts, industry professionals, digital forensics practitioners, law enforcement officers and cyber law specialists. Experts from government agencies and academic institutions will also contribute to the programme.

Classes will be conducted in English and Hindi over five weekends, with six hours of instruction each day. The in-person programme will have 45 seats at the CSDFC facility on the CNLU campus. Online participants will attend live sessions through Virtual Instructor-Led Training. Classroom participants will undertake laboratory exercises, while online learners will take part in demonstrations and guided virtual lab activities. Recorded sessions will also be available for later access.

Public awareness remains essential

Specialised training can strengthen the ability of professionals to investigate cyber crime, but public awareness remains equally important. People should never share their one-time passwords (OTPs), UPI PINs or confidential banking details with strangers. They should avoid suspicious links and verify requests for money, even when they appear to come from friends or relatives.

Anyone who becomes a victim of financial cyber fraud should act quickly. In India, victims can call the national cyber crime helpline at 1930 and report the incident through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Informing the bank immediately and preserving messages, transaction details and other digital evidence can also help.

The growing threat of cyber crime demands a coordinated response involving citizens, educational institutions, technology experts and law enforcement agencies. The initiative by CNLU, C-DAC and Bihar Police is a step towards building the skills needed to meet this challenge. Its long-term value will depend on how effectively the training helps professionals protect digital systems, investigate offences and support action against cyber criminals.

(Author is a senior Delhi-based journalist and commentator on culture, diversity, and pluralism.)