IITM Pravartak and Simplilearn Launch AI Cybersecurity Program Amid Threat Escalation

The accelerating sophistication of digital security threats has prompted a strategic educational response from key institutions. On December 10, 2025, the IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation announced a partnership with Simplilearn, a global digital upskilling provider, to introduce 'The Smart Shield: AI-Powered Cybersecurity Mastery Program.' This initiative directly addresses the growing prevalence of AI-driven cyberattacks, which is compelling organizations to rapidly integrate advanced defense mechanisms.

Industry analysis underscores the urgency, projecting that the global market for Artificial Intelligence in cybersecurity is set to reach $93.75 billion by 2030, highlighting the critical demand for specialized technical expertise. The new curriculum is specifically engineered for current IT and cybersecurity professionals, focusing on four core areas: offensive security, defensive protocols, the application of AI in defense, and regulatory compliance frameworks.

The program emphasizes practical application over theory, incorporating over 70 hands-on laboratories and the use of industry-standard tools such as Nmap and Wireshark. Foundational knowledge imparted aligns with the globally recognized CompTIA Security+ certification standards. Veeraraghavan G, Chief Operations Officer at IITM Pravartak, stated that the structure prioritizes practical exposure and case studies to ensure skills are immediately actionable. Instructional leadership is shared between IITM Pravartak faculty and a former cybersecurity leader from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Participants have the option to pursue electives, including a Generative AI Masterclass, and can work toward official Microsoft certifications, specifically the AI-900 and SC-900 credentials. IITM Pravartak operates as the designated Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) under the Government of India's National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), established by IIT Madras, with a mandate that includes Human Resource Development in Cyber-Physical Systems.

This educational development occurs as AI-powered cyberattacks are demonstrably increasing; reports indicate that 87% of organizations were affected by AI-enabled threats in the preceding year, with financial services being a primary target. Despite the recognized threat level, only 26% of cybersecurity professionals currently express confidence in their detection capabilities for AI-related threats, creating a significant capability gap that the program’s focus on AI-driven defense strategies seeks to address.