New Delhi, India — In an era where clicking the wrong link can empty a bank account or expose personal data to strangers, the need for digital vigilance has never been more pressing. Addressing this growing concern, SIFS India in collaboration with the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) — an IIT Kanpur’s AIIDE-CoE backed non-profit — has launched a Cybersecurity & OSINT Foundation Course designed for beginners and professionals alike.
The course, offered online, aims to equip participants with practical skills to navigate the modern web safely and smartly. It blends cyber hygiene basics, real-world scam breakdowns, and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques—often reserved for law enforcement or investigative journalists—into an accessible learning path for the general public.
“The internet isn’t getting safer. It’s becoming more deceptive. This course gives people the power to fight back,” said Titiksha Srivastav from FCRF.
A Crash Course in Cyber Survival
The curriculum is structured to help participants understand how hackers think, how scams work, and most importantly, how to spot red flags in everyday digital life. Modules include:
Password management and 2FA implementation
Phishing and social engineering prevention
Device and Wi-Fi security practices
Dark web basics and how cybercrime is monetized
Ethical OSINT gathering techniques from public sources
Real-world use cases of tracing fake accounts, verifying digital identities, and more
“You don’t need to be a coder or cybersecurity expert,” said an instructor from SIFS India. “You just need the curiosity to learn—and maybe a healthy dose of paranoia.”
Making OSINT Mainstream
One of the course’s standout features is its emphasis on OSINT—Open Source Intelligence. Traditionally viewed as a toolset for law enforcement, intelligence agencies, or investigative journalists, OSINT includes skills such as:
Reverse image searches
Metadata analysis
Tracing social media activity
Locating and verifying deleted or hidden data
Investigating scam origins through public-facing information
Through guided lessons and hands-on exercises, learners discover that OSINT is less about espionage and more about awareness—a way to protect their digital identity or assist in investigations and fact-checking.
Who Is It For?
The program targets a wide audience:
Students looking to enter cybersecurity or digital research careers
Journalists and researchers verifying online sources
Business owners safeguarding operations and client data
Social media users seeking stronger privacy controls
Curious individuals tired of being soft targets in a world of rising cyber threats
The course aims to bridge the gap between tech-savviness and survival, empowering users with real, usable knowledge that keeps them a step ahead of cybercriminals.
Not Just Theory—But Practical Defense
Unlike many generic cybersecurity webinars, this course emphasizes interactive learning, not lectures. Participants receive tools, case studies, step-by-step checklists, and ongoing access to support networks.
The initiative also reflects the growing importance of digital literacy in India, where UPI scams, phishing frauds, and identity theft are rising rapidly.
“You don’t have to be a victim. You can become your own first line of defense,” says the team behind the course. “Cybersecurity starts with awareness, and OSINT is the flashlight in the dark.”
Course Enrollment
The Cyber Security & OSINT Foundation Course is now open for enrollment. It is certified, affordable, beginner-friendly, and accessible nationwide. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone curious about staying safe online, this might just be your most valuable digital investment. You can register now by clicking here.