About the Sub-centre

Established on 25th July 2024 at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Gandhinagar Campus, this Centre of Excellence is dedicated to advancing research in telecom network security for 5G and emerging 6G technologies. Located at Gujarat's premier forensic sciences institution, the sub-centre combines expertise in digital forensics, network security, and telecommunications to address critical security challenges in next-generation networks.

The centre focuses on exploring the evolving 5G/6G security landscape, developing protection frameworks for digital and telecommunications networks, and imparting specialized knowledge on IoT and industrial automation security. With a strong alignment to strategic national security objectives, the sub-centre plays a pivotal role in safeguarding India's critical telecommunications infrastructure against sophisticated cyber threats.

Research Focus Areas

5G/6G Security Landscape
Comprehensive research on security vulnerabilities, threat vectors, and mitigation strategies specific to 5G and emerging 6G network architectures.

IoT & Industrial Automation Security
Developing security frameworks for IoT ecosystems and industrial automation systems operating over 5G networks, ensuring resilience against cyber attacks.

Cyber-Physical Systems Protection
Research on integrated systems combining computational and physical elements, with focus on protecting critical infrastructure and industrial control systems.

National Security Alignment
Telecom research aligned with strategic national security objectives, including secure communication protocols and critical infrastructure protection.

Key Achievements & Milestones

1. Capacity Building

• ● Organized workshops on 5G security and advanced topics such as network slicing, edge computing, AI/ML, and 6G security
• ● Conducted training programmes in telecom, cybersecurity, and digital forensics
• ● Delivered industry-aligned courses in collaboration with Ericsson and Qualcomm on 5G, IoT, and network security
• ● Promoted AI-based malware detection techniques and secure communication frameworks
• ● Undertaken research in 5G and next-generation network security
• ● Facilitated industry–academia collaborative research and innovation
• ● Designed cybersecurity curriculum and provided student mentorship, internships, and hackathons
• ● Enabled hands-on learning through labs, simulations, and real-world use cases

2. Infrastructure Development

• ● Established advanced cybersecurity, digital forensics, and 5G security laboratories
• ● Developed IoT security testbeds, network simulation environments, and cyber-physical research facilities
• ● Created secure research, collaboration, and training infrastructure

3. Collaborations

• ● Collaborated with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), TRAI, and national security agencies
• ● Partnered with academic institutions including IIT Gandhinagar and other universities
• ● Engaged with industry partners such as Ericsson, Qualcomm, telecom operators, and cybersecurity firms

4. Impact

• ● Contributed to workforce development in telecom and cybersecurity domains
• ● Supported cybercrime investigation and law enforcement training
• ● Strengthened telecom and digital infrastructure security
• ● Advanced indigenous research, policy support, and contributions to global standards