Cybersecurity Training for Kochi Metro Officials

The IT Leader's Community began a few years ago, specifically during the lockdown period associated with COVID, as a friendly gathering for those working in the IT field, starting with a WhatsApp group. The community has quickly managed to observe and learn about the ongoing changes in the tech industry and engage in discussions online and offline. Alongside this, there are efforts to expand the organization by including professionals from various sectors, much like pearls strung together in a necklace.

As part of the various events organized every year, this time the IT Leader's Community provided free cybersecurity classes for the officials of Kochi Metro.The event was hosted at the Kochi Muttom, followed by another session on cybersecurity at the Kochi Metro's corporate office near the Kaloor Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium for the officials and technical staff. Everyone who participated in the class received certificates from Mr. Manikandan, the General Manager of Kochi Metro, and later, a group photo was taken with the Chairman of Kochi Metro, former DGP Mr. Lokanath Behera, IPS.

Following lunch, we took the metro to Vytilla and then continued our journey to Kakkanad via the Water Metro.

We often take a short break from official duties for gatherings like this. We left with happy memories and moments we’ll never forget.

The leaders of this initiative are already preparing for more visits to similar industrial centers in the future.

CIASL- Industry Visit

Industrial visits often evoke nostalgia for many of us, reminiscent of those early days in college when learning came alive outside the classroom. However, for our community of professionals—long past those student years—this visit was an entirely different experience. When the announcement came about an industrial visit to the airport, it sparked curiosity and excitement. But this wasn’t the typical tour of IT systems or passenger terminals. Instead, it offered a rare opportunity to explore areas often hidden from public view: the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) department and the control tower—critical yet largely unfamiliar facets of airport operations. Around forty five of us joined the visit, anticipating a structured and formal affair. Instead, we were met with a remarkable display of hospitality and openness by the host team. From the moment we arrived, every detail was meticulously planned, making us feel genuinely valued and welcomed. The security protocols were particularly impressive. We were escorted and guided throughout the visit, with every step carefully managed to ensure both safety and compliance. Given our teams backgrounds, it was easy to appreciate and respect the protocols in place. What stood out most was the seamless collaboration between various internal, external, and governmental security teams—a testament to the airport’s commitment to maintaining safety while fostering a culture of teamwork and efficiency. In the interest of confidentiality , some details apart from what’s in the public domain will be kept confidential in this write up. The day began with an introduction to two seasoned professionals, Mr.Santhosh J Poovattil, Managing Director CIASL & Mr. Santhosh S,GM & Head Technology who shared intriguing insights. They highlighted milestones and innovations in aviation that often fly under the radar. More importantly, they gave us a glimpse into upcoming projects poised to transform the industry and open doors to new opportunities.

Speaking of radars, we gained fascinating insights into the sophisticated systems and protocols designed to ensure the safety and seamless flow of information across various levels of air traffic management. The team explained how these systems are constantly updated to safeguard the airspace, both laterally and vertically, ensuring the security of airlines and passengers alike. It was a refreshing dive into concepts we hadn’t revisited in years—mathematical operations, fuzzy logic, and a few long-forgotten algorithms. What stood out was how these elements worked harmoniously, like an orchestra, where the radar systems played the symphony, and a strong “conductor” ensured the skies remained safe and efficient. The team impressed us with their meticulous responses to our questions. Divided into four groups, we explored various topics in detail, and their answers were both relevant and reassuring, providing valuable insights without compromising on security protocols.

Heading into the MRO department, we admittedly had low expectations. We imagined a standard, process-driven setup—something akin to a large mechanic station. But what we encountered was far beyond that. It felt more like an immersive case study on the niche operations of MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul). We delved into the layers of regulations, compliance measures, and the intricate economics of aircraft maintenance. The discussions spanned market trends, innovative practices, and the unique challenges of the industry, leaving us in awe of the complexity and precision involved.

The visit concluded with a delightful lunch at the newly operational 0484 lounge, a space thoughtfully designed with traveler's in mind. The aesthetic seamlessly blended comfort and functionality, creating an inviting environment. We were given a brief yet fascinating tour of the lounge’s facilities, which included co-working spaces, guest rooms for traveller's seeking short stays, multiple boardrooms for meetings, and an expansive lounge that balanced privacy with accessibility. It was a fitting end to the day, showcasing not just the operational excellence of the airport but also its commitment to enhancing the traveler experience. Thank you once again to the incredible members of CIASL, AAI, ITLC and CNS, whose efforts went above and beyond to create a truly enriching experience for all of us. This “Industry Visit” journey rekindled the student within each of us, sparking new ideas, fresh insights, and valuable learning to carry forward into our respective organisations. Your dedication has not only empowered us to think deeper and aim higher but also inspired us to reflect on what more we can do as IT leaders. Together, let us continue to explore solutions and approaches that enhance experiences—not just for ourselves, but for the entire community we serve.

BSides Kerala 2025

As a state, our journey of transformation has begun. With BSides Kerala, we are not just hosting an event—we are building a powerful alliance that unites public and private industries with 19+ thriving cybersecurity communities. This historic moment marks Kerala’s first-ever BSides conference and the 1,075th global BSides event, a testament to our collective passion for knowledge, collaboration, and securing the digital future.

The ITLC community takes immense pride in its members, who have elevated cybersecurity engagement to new heights—bringing together law enforcement, private organisations, and student bodies on a shared platform. This vision has become a reality thanks to the tireless efforts of our organizing team: Balakrishnan A , Sunil Varkey, Sony A, Johnson Jose, ROBIN JOY, Dr. A Shiju Rawther, PhD , Dr. Tom Joseph, George Kurien, LINSON PAUL, Abhijith B R, V V Jacob -, Dr. Letha J, and many visionaries.

With 45+ speakers, 18 communities and 10+ cybersecurity partners, this event is a game-changer. KPMG joins as a Knowledge partner and Kerala Police Cyberdome as Community Partner, as we welcome 300+ industry leaders, professionals, and academician's to shape the future of cybersecurity together.

The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Devan Ramachandran, who highlighted the right to privacy as a constitutional obligation.
In his keynote, Manoj Abraham, IPS, ADGP (L&O), emphasized that public-private collaboration is the way forward and that community-driven events like BSides Kerala must play a critical role in fostering this synergy.
Mr. Ankit Asokan, IPS, SP Cyber Operation, shed light on the shifting attack landscape, emphasizing that cybersecurity needs to address the common man’s concern.

Cybersecurity for All: Experts underscored that cyber threats affect everyone, not just enterprises. Affordable security solutions and stronger public-private partnerships are essential.
Emerging Threats: Discussions covered supply chain security, cloud threats, data protection laws, and cybersecurity talent retention.
Hacker Perspectives: Talks explored DevOps security, dark web monitoring, and red team automation, providing invaluable insights into modern attack strategies.
Hands-On Learning: Interactive workshops on phishing, mobile app security, IoT exploits, and code review empowered attendees with practical skills to combat cyber threats.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Balakrishnan A, Executive Director of Geojit Financial Services Ltd., emphasized the significance of community-driven cybersecurity initiatives in fostering collaboration and strengthening Kerala’s security ecosystem.
The movement has begun. The future of cybersecurity in Kerala starts here.

Axis Communications

On November 29, Axis Communications, in collaboration with Magnum Networks, hosted an event at the picturesque Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort (KTDC). I got an opportunity to attend the event, which showcased the latest products and solutions aimed at enhancing security and efficiency. Highlights included advanced thermal cameras, body-worn cameras, and cutting-edge audio solutions. The serene setting of Bolgatty Palace provided an ideal backdrop for attendees to explore these innovative technologies and discuss their applications in various security scenarios.

IT Leaders Community members had ample opportunity for networking and self-introduction before the event began. We appreciate the organizers for allocating dedicated time for this. Thanks to Dennis and Manu for inviting ITLC.
Unlike typical technology events, there were no long, tedious PowerPoint presentations—just a brief 15-20 minute company profile introduction. The live product demonstrations, complete with real-world examples, were particularly engaging and helped us connect with the solutions to our pain points.

Happy to network with fellow ITLC members Amjith, Biju, Bineesh, Eugin, Jayadevan, Jayachandran, Jobin, Johnson, Lijo, MANOJ, Manu, Pradeep, Dr. Prince, Vijay, Nasi.