Kochi: The state’s first cyber intelligence lab at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) is ready, but the department of computer applications is struggling for funds. With expensive equipment facing the threat of idling, it has submitted a Research Development project to the Union ministry of human resource development (MHRD) and the department of science and technology (DST).
“We’ve requested the creation of the post of research associates in the department,” said Dr Pramod K. V., an associate professor at the department. According to sources, upon the project being approved, the MHRD or the DST allot funds for research, expansion and also operational expenses like stipend to research scholars. The authorities plan to use the centre for providing technical aid to the Kerala police on cyber crimes.
The basic infrastructure such as equipment and software for the lab has already been set up. It’s ready for activities like cyber forensic retrieval of evidence from devices such as computer and pen drives, they said, adding the state government had recently allotted Rs 50 lakh for buying software. “The department recently held a five-day workshop for police and is ready to conduct more such camps to train cops. However, the police department has no provision to fund such events. We also have no funds,” a source said.
“Now we need to purchase more software like the two required for dealing with cyber issues related to mobile phones. The remaining software cost around Rs 13 lakh each. Efforts are on to install them at the earliest,” they 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.
