Delhi University Teams Up With I4C to Fight Campus Cybercrime

New Delhi: Delhi University has entered into a partnership with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to strengthen cybersecurity awareness, prevention and response mechanisms across its campuses.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to protect students from growing digital threats such as online financial fraud, cyberbullying, identity theft, phishing attacks and other forms of cybercrime. The initiative will place special emphasis on students, including women and individuals from economically weaker sections who may face increased vulnerability to online exploitation.

Partnership Focuses on Cyber Awareness and Skill Development

The agreement was signed by Delhi University Registrar Vikas Gupta and I4C Director Nishant Kumar. The collaboration will focus on cyber hygiene, awareness campaigns, research initiatives, internships, capacity building programmes and student engagement activities.

University officials said the move was prompted by the rising number of incidents involving students being targeted through digital fraud and online harassment. They highlighted that careless online behaviour can lead to serious financial, emotional and reputational consequences.

With students increasingly dependent on digital platforms for education, payments, communication and career opportunities, educational institutions have become important areas for cybersecurity awareness efforts.

I4C to Support Training and Cybersecurity Initiatives

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, plays a central role in coordinating India’s response to cybercrime.

Through platforms such as the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the 1930 cyber fraud helpline, I4C supports faster reporting and response to online financial crimes. The centre also works on cyber threat analysis, law enforcement training and technology-driven investigation support.

Under the Delhi University partnership, students are expected to participate in cybersecurity workshops, awareness drives, hackathons and competitions. Internship opportunities and cyber volunteer programmes will also be promoted to provide practical exposure to cybersecurity operations.

Moving Beyond Awareness to Research and Innovation

Officials said the collaboration is designed not only as a short-term awareness campaign but also as a long-term effort to create a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem within academic institutions.

Delhi University Computer Centre Director Sanjeev Singh said the initiative would provide students with opportunities to gain practical knowledge of cyber investigations and emerging security technologies through collaborative projects.

The partnership also aims to encourage research cooperation between cybersecurity professionals and academic communities to address challenges specific to university environments.

Experts Stress Need for Digital Literacy Among Students

Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said students are increasingly targeted because of their extensive digital presence and frequent use of online services.

He noted that cybercriminals often exploit situations involving fake internships, scholarship scams, phishing messages and online financial offers. According to experts, introducing cybersecurity education as part of academic life can help students identify risks and adopt safer digital practices.

The collaboration between Delhi University and I4C is expected to be implemented through phased programmes during upcoming academic sessions, bringing together government expertise, law enforcement resources and academic participation to improve campus cyber resilience.