A proposal

for a Faculty Development Program (FDP) on the topic of

FDP Proposal: “ Cybersecurity and Blockchain Ecosystems: Interdisciplinary

Approaches and Innovations”

Why Choose a Topic?

Choosing the topic " Cybersecurity and Blockchain Ecosystems: Interdisciplinary
Approaches and Innovations" for a Faculty Development Program (FDP) is
particularly strategic due to several compelling reasons:
Relevance to Current Trends:
Cybersecurity and blockchain are among the fastest-evolving fields in technology. As
cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication and blockchain technologies find
more applications beyond cryptocurrencies like in healthcare, finance, and supply
chain management there is a significant demand for educational programs that keep
pace with these advancements.
Interdisciplinary Nature:
The integration of cybersecurity and blockchain involves multiple disciplines such as
computer science, law, ethics, and business. An interdisciplinary approach not only
enriches the learning experience but also mirrors the real-world scenarios where these
technologies intersect and interact. This prepares participants to think broadly and
apply their knowledge in varied contexts.
Innovation Focus:
Both fields are at the forefront of technological innovation. An FDP focusing on these
areas encourages participants to engage with cutting-edge technologies and innovative
practices, fostering a mindset that is critical for driving future advancements and
creative solutions.
Practical and Theoretical Integration:
Cybersecurity and blockchain present unique challenges that benefit from a blend of
theoretical knowledge and practical applications. An FDP can provide the perfect
platform to integrate academic research with hands-on training, simulations, and
problem-solving workshops, making the learning process comprehensive and
applicable.
Enhanced Security Measures:
With increasing digital transformation, security is a paramount concern for
organizations across all sectors. An basic understanding of cybersecurity,
complemented by the decentralized security features of blockchain, can significantly
enhance an organization's ability to protect itself against malicious attacks and data
breaches.
Professional Development:
For faculty members, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is crucial
for their professional growth and effectiveness as educators. This FDP can serve as a
vital professional development tool, equipping educators with the knowledge and
skills needed to teach their students more effectively and conduct relevant research.
Future Skills Preparation:
As digital literacy becomes a fundamental skill in the modern workforce,
understanding the complexities of cybersecurity and blockchain becomes essential.
This FDP helps faculty to prepare students for future challenges and job markets,
ensuring that graduates are not only proficient in these technologies but are also
innovative and security-conscious.

Policy and Ethical Considerations:

The rise of technologies like blockchain and the increasing prevalence of cyber-
attacks raise significant ethical and policy-related questions. An FDP addressing these
topics encourages a holistic view that encompasses not just the technical aspects but
also the societal implications, preparing participants to contribute thoughtfully to
debates and policy-making processes.
By focusing on these topics, the FDP ensures that participants are not only well-versed
in key technological areas but also prepared to lead and innovate in their respective
fields.
The proposed FDP is an organized educational training initiative aimed at enhancing
the teaching, research, and professional skills of faculty members in higher education.
These programs are crucial for keeping academic staff updated with the latest
advancements in their respective fields, methodologies, and technologies that can be
incorporated into their teaching and research activities in advanced cybersecurity and
blockchain ecosystems.
Why considering an FDP, particularly in cutting-edge fields like cybersecurity and
blockchain, several critical aspects need to be addressed to ensure the program
delivers significant value to participants. These include:
Interdisciplinary Learning:
The FDPs often integrate cross-disciplinary themes that allow participants to explore
how different fields intersect and influence one another. For cybersecurity and
blockchain, this could involve combining elements of computer science, law, ethics,
and business to provide a holistic understanding of the subject matter.
Research-Oriented Focus:
The programs typically emphasize current research and developments in the field.
This involves not only discussing existing knowledge but also exploring ongoing
research projects, emerging trends, and future directions. This approach helps faculty
to align their research interests with the latest trends and potentially find new
collaborative research opportunities.

Hands-On Experience:
Practical sessions are a key component of FDPs, as they help bridge the gap between
theoretical knowledge and real-world application. In the context of cybersecurity and
blockchain, this could include workshops on setting up secure blockchain networks,
ethical hacking exercises, or simulations of cybersecurity attacks and defences.
Use of Technology and Tools:
Given the technological nature of fields like cybersecurity and blockchain, the FDP
should incorporate training on the latest tools and platforms. This enables participants
to gain direct experience with the technologies they will teach and research, making
their learning experience more relevant and engaging.
Networking and Collaborative Opportunities:
The FDPs provide a platform for faculty to connect with peers, industry experts, and
researchers from other institutions. This networking can lead to collaborations, new
projects, and insights into how other institutions are handling similar challenges.
Customization and Participant Engagement:
The FDPs often offer more customized content based on the needs and interests of the
participants. This could mean having elective sessions, advanced modules on specific
topics, or even guest lectures from industry leaders tailored to the interests of the
group.
Continuous Learning and Support:
Post-FDP engagement tools such as online forums, follow-up workshops, and digital
resources can help participants continue their learning journey. This is particularly
important in fields like cybersecurity and blockchain, where continuous updates are
necessary due to the rapid pace of change.
Evaluation and Feedback:
Incorporating thorough evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of the FDP
is crucial. Feedback from participants helps in refining the program, ensuring that it
remains relevant and effective in meeting the goals of contemporary academic and
research environments.

Aim
To equip participants with an in-depth understanding and interdisciplinary approaches
to cybersecurity and blockchain technologies, focusing on innovative applications,
emerging threats, and the latest research findings.

Objectives:
 Enhance Knowledge: Provide comprehensive knowledge on the latest
advancements and theoretical foundations in cybersecurity and blockchain.
 Practical Skills: Develop hands-on skills through workshops focusing on the
latest tools and techniques in the industry.
 Research Integration: Facilitate the integration of cutting-edge research into
teaching curricula and practical applications.
 Interdisciplinary Learning: Encourage an interdisciplinary approach to
solving complex problems in cybersecurity and blockchain ecosystems.
 Networking: Build a network of professionals and academics for future
collaborations and knowledge exchange.

Expected Outcomes:
 Participants will gain advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in
cybersecurity and blockchain.
 Development of a community of practice for ongoing exchange of ideas and
best practices.
 Enhanced ability to integrate current research into academic teaching and
practical applications.
 Increased collaboration and research opportunities in interdisciplinary fields.

Target Participants:
 Academics and researchers in computer science, IT, and related fields.
 Industry professionals working in cybersecurity and blockchain.
 Policy makers and strategists focusing on digital security and technology
integration.
  PhD students and advanced researchers seeking to broaden their knowledge
and research horizons.

Detailed Session Breakdown:

Day 1: Theoretical Foundations and Current Landscape

Session 1: Overview of Cybersecurity and Blockchain
Content: Key concepts, history, and evolution of both fields. Introduction to the
relationship between cybersecurity and blockchain technologies.
Session 2: Current Trends in Cyber Security and Block chain & cyber security
attacks- Hands-on using Kali Linux

Content: Analysis of recent publications and ongoing research projects, focusing on

new theories and foundational research.

Day 2: Security Protocols and Blockchain Innovations

Session 1: Advanced Security Protocols in Cybersecurity
Content: Deep dive into cryptographic techniques, including quantum-resistant
algorithms and advanced encryption methods.
Session 2: Innovations in Blockchain Technology
Content: Examination of recent blockchain innovations like sharding, proof of stake
advancements, and hybrid models.

Day 3: Cybersecurity Threats and Blockchain Solutions

Session 1: Emerging Threats in Cybersecurity
Content: Discussion on AI-driven attacks, ransomware trends, and IoT
vulnerabilities.
Session 2: Blockchain for Enhanced Security
Content: How blockchain can mitigate specific cybersecurity threats, including case
studies on decentralized security models.

Day 4: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Technology Implementation

Session 1: Blockchain in Different Sectors
Content: Application of blockchain in healthcare, finance, supply chain management,
and voting systems.
Session 2: Cybersecurity in an Interconnected World
Content: Strategies for implementing robust cybersecurity measures in smart cities,
critical infrastructure, and cross-industry platforms.

Day 5: Hands-on Workshops and Case Studies

Session 1: Industrial Visit
Place: CDAC,Bengaluru.
Session 2: Cyber Security challenges in smart city and Demo of cyber attacks
using SET toolkit
Content: Interactive workshop where participants engage in a simulated cybersecurity
attack and defence scenario.

Day 6: Exploring Exploitable Flaws in Smart Contract Design and

Implementation.
Session 1: Vulnerabilities in smart contracts
Content: Discussions on Reentrancy Attack, Integer Overflow/Underflow
Vulnerability, Uninitialized Variable Vulnerability, Code Injection Vulnerability, Time
Component Vulnerability, Unchecked External Call, Comprehensive Testing and
Auditing.
Session 2: MCQs and Reflection Journals
Content: Guidelines on writing research proposals in cybersecurity and blockchain,
followed by networking sessions to foster collaboration.

Session Planning:
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6
Theoretical Security Cybersecurit Interdisciplinar Hands-on Exploring
Foundations Protocols y Threats y Approaches Workshops Exploitable
and Current and and to Technology and Case Flaws in
Landscape Blockchain Blockchain Implementation Studies Smart
Innovations Solutions Contract
Design and
Implementatio
n
9:00 – 9:30
Inauguration

9:30 – 12:00 9:30 – 12:00 9:30 – 12:00 9:30 – 12:00 9:00 – 1:00 9:30 – 12:00
Session 1 Session 3 Session 5 Session 7 Industrial Session 10
Overview of Advanced Emerging Blockchain in visit- Vulnerabilities
Cybersecurity Security Threats in Different Sectors in smart
and Protocols in Cybersecurity CDAC , contracts
Blockchain Cybersecurit Prof. Syed Bengaluru Ms. Pooja
Dr. y I L Narasimha Akram, Srinivasan,
C.Panduranga Rao, Project Assistant Software
n , IISc, Dr. Ruhul Manager, Professor, Dept Engineer,
Bengaluru Amin, Cyber of CSE, BMSCE Twilio
Assistant Security
Professor, Expert
Dept of
CSE, IIIT ,
Naya Raipur
12:00 – 1:00 12:00 – 1:00 12:00 – 1:00 12:00 – 1:00 12:00 – 1:00
Article Article Article Article Article
Discussion Discussion Discussion Discussion Discussion

1:00 – 2:00 1:00 – 2:00 1:00 – 2:00 1:00 – 2:00 1:00 – 2:00 1:00 – 2:00
Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

2:00 – 4:30 2:00 – 4:30 2:00 – 4:30 2:00 – 4:30 2:00 – 4:30 2:00 – 4:00
Session 2 Session 4 Session 6 Session 8 Session 9 MCQ&
Current trends Innovations Blockchain Reflection
in in for Enhanced Cyber security Cyber Journal
Cybersecurity Blockchain Security in an Security
& Technology Dr. Kunwar Interconnected challenges in
Blockchain- Dr. Ruhul Singh, World smart city
Dr. Kannan Amin, Associate Dr.Manjunath
Srinathan, Assistant Professor , Dr.Shreeniva
D.R.,
Assistant Professor, Dept of CSE, s Shetty
Professor, Dept of NIT trichy Assistant
Professor, Dept SST
IIIT CSE, IIIT ,
of CSE, Technologies
Hyderabad Naya Raipur
BMSCE,
Bengaluru

4:30 – 5:30 4:30 – 5:30 4:30 – 5:30 4:30 – 5:30 4:30 – 5:30 4:00 – 5:00
Practical Hands on Hands on Hands on Hands on Valedictory
Sessions on training training /Labs training /Labs training
cyber security /Labs Hands on Hands on /Labs
attacks- Building Blockchain Generative AI Hands on
Hands-on own Dapps demo and Demo of
using Kali using Dr.Lohith J J Cybersecurity- cyber attacks
Linux Ethereum Professor and Dr.Manjunath using SET
Dr.Manjunath smart HOD, Dept of D.R., toolkit-
D.R., contracts- AI&ML, Dr.Shreeniva
NCET, Assistant s Shetty
Assistant Dr.Lohith J Professor, Dept
Bengaluru SST
Professor, J, of CSE, Technologies
Dept of CSE, BMSCE,
Professor
BMSCE, Bengaluru
and HOD AI
Bengaluru
and ML,
NCET,
Bengaluru

Resources Required:
  Advanced computer labs equipped with the latest software for cybersecurity
and blockchain development.
 Access to online databases and research journals.
 Collaboration tools for virtual participation, if applicable.

This comprehensive FDP is designed to provide a deep understanding of the cutting-

edge developments in cybersecurity and blockchain, fostering an environment of
learning, innovation, and collaboration among participants from diverse professional
backgrounds.

Research Articles:
Here are some of the latest research papers on "Advanced Cybersecurity and
Blockchain Ecosystems: Interdisciplinary Approaches and Innovations":
[1] Wylde, V., Rawindaran, N., Lawrence, J. et al. Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and
Blockchain: A Review. SN COMPUT. SCI. 3, 127 (2022).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42979-022-01020-4.

This paper identifies and reviews key challenges in bridging the knowledge gap
between various entities in adopting and utilizing blockchain technology,
focusing on cybersecurity and data privacy. It addresses how blockchain can
enhance security protocols and protect data privacy. Springer Link.
[2] Venkatesan, K., Rahayu, S.B. Blockchain security enhancement: an approach
towards hybrid consensus algorithms and machine learning techniques. Sci Rep 14,
1149 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51578-7
This research discusses the development of more effective and efficient methods
to secure blockchain mechanisms. It proposes diverse solutions and creative
approaches to enhance the security of blockchain systems. Nature.
[3] Hussein, Z., Salama, M.A. & El-Rahman, S.A. Evolution of blockchain consensus
algorithms: a review on the latest milestones of blockchain consensus
algorithms. Cybersecurity 6, 30 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42400-023-00163-y
The paper starts by explaining the foundational role of consensus algorithms in
blockchain networks, which are crucial for ensuring all nodes in a decentralized
network agree on the valid state of the data ledger without needing a central
authority. The study traces the evolution of these algorithms from the inception
of blockchain technology, highlighting their significance in maintaining network
integrity, reliability, and security.
[4] Khan, S.N., Loukil, F., Ghedira-Guegan, C. et al. Blockchain smart contracts:
Applications, challenges, and future trends. Peer-to-Peer Netw. Appl. 14, 2901–2925
(2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12083-021-01127-0.
This paper provides an in-depth analysis of blockchain smart contracts. It
examines their various applications in sectors such as finance, healthcare, supply
chain, real estate, and governance, highlighting how they automate transactions
and enhance transparency and security. The paper also addresses key challenges
including security vulnerabilities, scalability issues, and regulatory compliance
concerns. Additionally, it discusses the technical aspects of smart contract
implementation and anticipates future advancements, including potential
integration with technologies like AI and IoT. This study serves as a crucial
resource for understanding the evolving role of smart contracts in digital
transactions and their potential to transform traditional business operations.
[5] Habib G, Sharma S, Ibrahim S, Ahmad I, Qureshi S, Ishfaq M. Blockchain
Technology: Benefits, Challenges, Applications, and Integration of Blockchain
Technology with Cloud Computing. Future Internet. 2022; 14(11):341.
https://doi.org/10.3390/fi14110341

This paper provides a thorough review of blockchain technology, emphasizing its

benefits like improved transparency and security, and challenges such as scalability
and high energy consumption. It explores blockchain's applications across various
sectors and discusses its potential integration with cloud computing to enhance data
security and system efficiency. The study highlights how blockchain can revolutionize
industries by decentralizing data management.
All the above 5 papers provide a comprehensive view of the current state of
blockchain technology and its intersection with cybersecurity, offering insights into
both theoretical and practical advancements in the field.
Conclusion
An advanced FDP is designed not just to update faculty skills but to deeply engage
them in the newest research and technological advancements, equip them with modern
educational tools, and enable them to foster an innovative learning environment for
their students. In rapidly advancing fields like cybersecurity and blockchain, these
programs are essential for maintaining the relevance and rigor of academic offerings
and research activities.
Grant in aid for conducting ATAL FDPs will be as per detail given under different heads
S. Particulars Head wise limit of Expenditure BASIC FDP
No.
1 Honorarium to Coordinator Rs. 8,000/-
2 Honorarium to Co-Coordinator Rs. 5,000/-
3 Honorarium for computer Rs. 5,000/- (in total)
operators /lab-Technicians
4 Honorarium for experts (Rs. 5,000 Rs. 75,000/-
per session)
5 TA to External experts engaging Rs. 75,000/-
sessions (reimbursement in actuals
against original bills)
6 Refreshment & Lunch Rs. 60,000/-
7 Hands on training material Nil
8 Consumable items, inaugural & Rs. 22,000/-
valedictory functions, and
Miscellaneous Charges etc.
9 TA to Participants (Only for Rs. 80,000/- (Rs. 1,600/- (lump sum) per
External participants) External Participant payable only for those with
>=90% attendance and traveling beyond 20 KM
one side)
10 Industrial Visit (Travel expense & Rs. 20,000/-
visit charges, if any)
TOTAL Rs. 3,50,000/-