Hyderabad: IIIT Hyderabad and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on strengthening cybersecurity across India’s digital payments ecosystem. The collaboration will focus on research, innovation and capacity building to address emerging risks in digital transactions.The partnership combines NPCI’s experience in developing and operating national payment systems with IIIT Hyderabad’s advanced technology research capabilities.The initiative at IIIT Hyderabad will be led by the Cyber Manthan Centre, which works in cybersecurity, digital forensics and trusted infrastructure, with institute director Prof Sandeep K Shukla steering the engagement.Under the MoU, the two organisations will pursue joint research and development aimed at practical solutions for payment security. It also provides for specialised training, knowledge exchange, research engagement and industry-oriented learning to build a skilled cybersecurity workforce.NPCI managing director and CEO Dilip Asbe said securing the expanding digital payments ecosystem requires continuous innovation, trained professionals and preparedness for evolving cyber threats.Prof Shukla said the collaboration would help explore payment-specific cybersecurity challenges and emerging technologies while enabling students, researchers and professionals to develop specialised skills. They said the effort aims to create a safer, more resilient payments ecosystem.
