Dr. Prachi serves as an Associate Professor Cyber Security and Forensics specialization within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at The NorthCap University, Gurugram. She is a dedicated professional with over 14 years of experience in the fields of teaching and research. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science & Engineering, followed by the completion of her Master and Ph.D.

Dr. Prachi has played a pivotal role in the successful development and implementation of the Cyber Security & Forensics Specialization program. Her contributions have earned her several accolades and honors, including certification as a Certified Ethical Hacker from the EC-Council, recognition for copyrights and patents by the Government of India, and the Best Faculty Award from NCU.

Her research pursuits encompass a range of topics, including Malware Analysis and Detection, Cyber Security, Digital Forensics, Memory Forensics, and the Security Challenges of Wireless Sensor Networks. Her research output is notable, with publications in high-impact factor journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, as well as prestigious national and international conferences.

Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in supervising numerous undergraduate projects, post-graduate and doctorate thesis. Presently, she is providing guidance to five Ph.D. scholars in cutting-edge domains, such as Malware Analysis, IoT malware detection, and Machine Learning, among others. Her scholarly contributions extend beyond research papers, as she has collaborated on the creation of two books and authored six book chapters with international publishers. Furthermore, she serves as a reviewer for several SCI-indexed journals.

Currently, Dr. Prachi is actively engaged in a research project sponsored by the National Technical Research Organization (NTRO) with a substantial grant of Rs 19 Lac.

Dr. Prachi has also actively participated as a resource person in various Faculty Development Programs (FDPs), workshops, panel discussions, and seminars. Furthermore, she has organized numerous conferences, faculty development programs, seminars, webinars, and workshops at both the national and international levels, aiming to raise awareness and sensitize individuals to the growing challenges posed by cybercrimes.

The NorthCap University

Can you tell me about your educational background? (Total year of teaching experience, year of experience in this university, graduation/PG details etc.) 

Dr. Prachi holds the position of Associate Professor within the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at The NorthCap University. With a rich professional background spanning more than 14 years, she possesses a wealth of experience in both teaching and research. Her educational journey commenced with the attainment of a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering, followed by the completion of her Master's and Ph.D. in 2009 and 2015, respectively. In recognition of her scholarly achievements, she earned the UGC-NET/JRF distinction in 2014. Dr. Prachi is also a Certified Ethical Hacker accredited by the EC-Council, and she has successfully acquired various certifications in the realm of Cyber Security and Forensics from prestigious institutions such as the University of Maryland, Indian Institute of Science, Microsoft, NIT Patna, among others. 

How does the curriculum of Cyber Security & Forensics specialization ensure the industry's best practice? 

Cyber Security and Forensics specialization aims to offer best industry practices to students by offering Industry industry-ready curriculum that is updated in accordance with changing demands. NCU also established the Cyber Security & Forensics Specialization Centre of Excellence (CSCoE) to play a key role in fighting against ever-increasing cyber-attack vectors. Empowered with the vision to elevate and scale the cybersecurity ecosystem, CSCoE aims to promote a cyber-safe and conducive environment for industry collaboration, build awareness, address the skill gaps, and facilitate innovation in this emerging field of Cyber Security by conducting Certifications, organizing Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, Workshops, Webinars, Industry mentored projects, etc. These events expand the knowledge base of students and equip them with the right set of skills to combat cybercrime, enhance the employability of students, and bridge the gap between industry and academia. 

Additionally, NCU is an EC-Council Academic Partner that offers numerous advantages, including the acquisition of sought-after industry skills, up-to-date curriculum, enhanced career prospects, etc.

Are there any placement opportunities for the students in Cyber Security & Forensics Specialization?

Cybersecurity is not just a buzzword; it is of paramount importance in today's digital landscape. Across various industries, the demand for cybersecurity experts has surged as they play a pivotal role in protecting networks, data, and online transactions. Consequently, the cybersecurity sector is vibrant with job opportunities, with millions of positions currently vacant. Our students have the chance to demonstrate their expertise on numerous occasions and secure positions at prestigious corporations such as Deloitte, Grant Thornton, PwC, Ernst & Young, and Fidelity International, among others.

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How is your relationship with the students of your college?

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of their students. As an educator, my mission extends beyond merely imparting technical knowledge; it is to inspire and nurture the full potential of each student. My primary emphasis lies in instilling lifelong learning skills and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 

My teaching approach centres on the principle of 'learning by doing,' where active engagement is key to comprehension and retention. Additionally, I actively encourage students to participate in both national and international hackathons hosted by industry leaders and government organisations, to provide them with valuable exposure to the practical application of the concepts taught in the classroom. 

Furthermore, I advocate for gamified learning experiences, recognizing that this approach often resonates well with students and enhances their understanding of complex subjects. My open-door policy ensures that students feel comfortable approaching me for guidance on a wide range of topics, including staying abreast of the latest industry trends, opportunities for upskilling, and insights into job and internship prospects.

What are the most important functions in the role that you play in Cyber Security and Forensics Specialization? 

As a faculty, I engage in various roles and responsibilities ranging from academics, research outreach and administration. Some of the mentioned as follows: 

  • Cultivate a proficient cybersecurity workforce dedicated to safeguarding individuals, families, and the nation. 
  • Elevate the proficiency of NCU’s faculty and students in the realm of cybersecurity. 
  • Foster research initiatives in cyber security and malware analysis to position NCU as a leading university that offers quality cyber security education and research. 
  • Collaborate with leading organizations such as NTRO, EC-Council, etc to confer national and internationally recognized projects, and certifications to students and faculty.
  • Participate in diverse outreach endeavours, including hackathons, to actively engage with the community.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

So, I would tell the youth that they should remain focused. They should first aim at what they want to be. They should have a dream job, and they should work towards it. Fun is always there. But right now, till they establish their position, they should keep that a little aside.

Once they have reached the goal, of what they want to do, that time they can party and have lots of fun. Nowadays, the youth get distracted by these activities which are there, their social life.

Social life is necessary. But right now, they need to focus on what they are going to do later on in life because these years will not come back. These are the years when they are most energetic and can explore various fields, and they can understand, which is actually of their interest.