The Department of IoT & Cyber Security Including Blockchain Technology from P A College of Engineering, Mangalore (PACE), Mangalore successfully organised a dynamic two-day hands-on workshop titled “IoT & cybersecurity including Blockchain technology” on the 11th and 12th of April, 2025. Held at Computer Center 3, the event ran from 9:00 AM to 4:20 PM on both days and was packed with interactive learning, real-world insights, and technical challenges designed to enhance cybersecurity competencies.
Industry Experts Take the Lead
The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Shamanth R and Mr. Rohit K M, ethical hackers from Thincnext, who brought in-depth industry knowledge and practical experience to the table. Their sessions blended theoretical understanding with real-world demonstrations, offering participants a holistic view of the cybersecurity landscape.
Workshop Highlights
Participants were taken on a comprehensive journey through core aspects of cybersecurity and ethical hacking. Key areas covered included:
- Introduction to Ethical Hacking
Understanding its principles, importance in today’s digital age, and how ethical hackers help safeguard systems. - Hands-on Practice with Cyber Tools
Interactive sessions on network scanning, Kali Linux commands, and the Stenography framework provided valuable hands-on exposure. - Tool Demonstrations
Tools like 888 RAT and other advanced penetration testing utilities were showcased, giving students a glimpse into real-world hacking scenarios. - Live Cryptography Demonstrations
Practical sessions allowed students to explore encryption, decryption, and the foundations of secure communication.
Interactive Learning and Challenges
The second day concluded with a high-energy Capture The Flag (CTF) challenge, where participants competed to apply their newly acquired skills. It was a closely contested event, with Amna Fathima L and Zaayan Sameer emerging as the winners. Their achievement was celebrated with certificates and applause.
Career Guidance Session
In addition to technical training, the workshop also featured a career guidance session focused on:
- Cybersecurity career paths
- In-demand certifications
- Skills essential for thriving in this fast-growing industry
Students appreciated the session’s clarity and found the information highly relevant for planning their professional journeys.
Organizational Support
The event was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Shamna N V, Head of the Department, and was efficiently coordinated by Ms. Meghashree. Their support and leadership were instrumental in the success of the workshop.
Impact and Takeaways
The “Guardians of Cyberspace” workshop stood out as a valuable initiative that bridged the gap between academic learning and industry application. Students left with enhanced practical skills, a clearer understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals, and inspiration to explore careers in this vital field.