Industrial Visit

On Day-4 of the FDP, all the FDP Participants on a visit to the MAHE ISAC Centre for Excellence for Cybersecurity and Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator (MUTBI), MAHE, Manipal from Yenepoya Institute of Technology Campus. The purpose of the visit was to gain insights into the centre’s activities, facilities, and expertise in the field of entrepreneurship, cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Upon arrival at the MAHE ISAC Centre for Excellence for Cybersecurity, the group was warmly welcomed by Dr. Balachandra, Professor, Department of ICT, MIT, Manipal. Dr. Balachandra provided us with insights into the activities and models at the MAHE ISAC Centre for Excellence for Cybersecurity. The fact that they have developed a model with 28 scenarios of cyberattacks using the portal indicates a strong focus on cybersecurity research and preparedness.

Prof. Yashwanth, Department of ECE, MIT, Manipal provided us with a fascinating insight into some specific cyberattack scenarios and technologies at the MAHE ISAC Centre for Excellence for Cybersecurity. These scenarios highlight the diverse range of potential threats that can have significant real-world consequences.

Some of the Cyber Security attack scenarios explained by Prof. Yashwanth are as follows:

1)Metro Derailing Attack on Railway Track: This scenario highlights the potential for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, such as railways, leading to catastrophic consequences. Unauthorized access to railway systems could disrupt train operations and endanger lives.

2)Stock Exchange Cyber Attack: A cyberattack on a stock exchange could result in market manipulation, financial losses, and erosion of investor confidence. Protecting financial systems from cyber threats is crucial for economic stability.

3)Corporate Tower Lift Control Movement Cyber Attack: Attacking lift control systems in corporate buildings could compromise the safety and security of occupants. Cybersecurity measures are essential to prevent unauthorized access to building systems.

4)Conveyor Belt at Airport Cyber Attack: Disrupting conveyor belt systems at airports can lead to baggage handling issues, flight delays, and logistical challenges. Ensuring the resilience of airport infrastructure against cyber threats is imperative.

5)Baggage Claim at Airport Cyber Attack: Like the conveyor belt scenario, a cyberattack on baggage claim systems could disrupt airport operations and inconvenience passengers.

6)Turbine Control Cyber Attack: Turbine control systems in power plants are critical for electricity generation. Cyberattacks on these systems can lead to power outages and affect industries and daily life.

7)Hospital Medicine Dosage Cyber Attack: Hospitals rely on precise dosage control for patient safety. Cyberattacks on medical systems can compromise patient care, highlighting the importance of healthcare cybersecurity.

Prof Yashwanth also told how MAHE ISAC Centre for Excellence for Cybersecurity is actively researching and addressing a wide range of cyberattack scenarios, with a particular focus on critical infrastructure and emerging technologies like PLCs, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi. By developing expertise in these areas, the Centre is contributing to cybersecurity preparedness and resilience in an increasingly digital world.

Dr. Shashank M Gowda thanked Dr. Balachandra and his team for providing us with insights into the activities and models at the MAHE ISAC Centre for Excellence for Cybersecurity.

The next visit was to Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator (MUTBI). It provided valuable insights into its mission, focus areas, and its significant contributions to nurturing startups and fostering innovation. Presentation and interactive session by Dr. Santhosh Rao, CEO, MUTBI and Mr. Mallesh Kumar K S, Manager, MUTBI allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the support provided to startups. MUTBI's commitment to supporting startups in diverse fields, including technology innovation, healthcare, sustainability, and IT, underscores its role in shaping the future of business and technology. The fact that it has successfully supported 45 startups since 2010 is a testament to its dedication to fostering entrepreneurship.

Dr. Rameez and Mr. Sandesh Rao provided an overview of BlackFrog Technologies, a company specializing in portable vaccine carriers, and its expansion into the global market. They highlighted the innovative use of Dallas Sensor technology in their products. With the increasing need for reliable vaccine transportation, the company has focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as the Dallas Sensor, to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of vaccines. The Dallas Sensor allows real-time monitoring of temperature conditions inside the carriers, ensuring that vaccines remain within the recommended temperature range during transportation. It records temperature data, which can be accessed and analyzed to track the entire journey of vaccines, helping identify any deviations from the optimal storage conditions. The sensor sends alerts and notifications to designated personnel in case of temperature fluctuations or anomalies, enabling rapid response to potential issues. In the coming year BlackFrog Technologies is preparing for global market entry, it reaffirms its commitment to revolutionizing vaccine transportation, ultimately contributing to the global effort to combat infectious diseases.

Dr. Shashank M Gowda thanked the entire team of MUTBI for their collective efforts to make our experience at MUTBI informative and wonderful.

The collective sentiment of all participants is one of deep appreciation and gratitude for the wonderful experiences at MUTBI and MAHE ISAC Centre of Excellence for Cybersecurity.

MAHE ISAC Centre for Excellence for Cybersecurity