CopConnect Cyber Wellness Clinic Launched at Panjab University

Chandigarh, March 5, 2025: The CopConnect Cyber Wellness Clinic, designed to assist victims of cybercrimes, was launched today at Panjab University. This joint initiative by Panjab University and ISAC (Information Sharing and Analysis Center), with CSR support from Zscaler, aims to equip students, faculty, and citizens with crucial cybersecurity knowledge and victim support mechanisms.

Located at Panjab University’s Centre for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (CSDE), the clinic has been set up to serve as a hub for cybersecurity training, research, and victim support. It will offer programs on cybersecurity awareness, a comprehensive cybercrime victim support system, and collaboration with law enforcement. 

The clinic was officially inaugurated by Neeraja V, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Cyber Crime in Punjab, and Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, who both emphasised its critical role in fostering a safer digital community. In her address, Neeraja highlighted the growing urgency of cybersecurity awareness, proactive defence, and victim support. “Cybercrime is evolving rapidly, and initiatives like the CopConnect Cyber Wellness Clinic are essential,” she stated, urging the need to equip individuals with the right tools and knowledge to create a safer digital environment.

Prof. Renu Vig emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia, law enforcement, and industry leaders in building cyber-resilient communities and envisioned the clinic evolving into an Advanced Centre for Cyber Crime and Cyber Forensics in the future.

Earlier, Prof. Suveera Gill, Honorary Director of CSDE, welcomed the dignitaries and underscored the role of academia in strengthening cybersecurity resilience. Group Captain P. Aanand Naidu, Director of CopConnect, outlined the clinic’s mission to provide both education and victim support, while Karishma Bhuyan, Head of CSR at Zscaler, reinforced the company’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity awareness through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Dr. Vishal Sharma, renowned forensic faculty and Coordinator of CSDE, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all stakeholders and encouraging students and professionals to leverage the clinic’s resources.

The clinic will organise workshops on topics like phishing, identity theft, cyber fraud, and online safety. Victims will also have access to multi-disciplinary support, including Cyber Crime First Responders, Cyber Lawyers, Cyber Psychologists, and Forensic Experts. Additionally, hands-on training sessions will be held with law enforcement officials to enhance digital forensic capabilities. Students and professionals will have opportunities to earn 26 cybersecurity certifications through ISAC, as well as access cybersecurity platforms such as ISAC’s simulation tools, the BreachPoint bug bounty platform, EthixFirst professional ethics ratings, and the National Security Database. The clinic’s objective is to provide cybercrime first aid to victims, allowing law enforcement agencies more lead time in handling these crimes.