New Delhi [India], December 4:
The SANS Institute, recognized globally as a leading entity in cybersecurity training, in collaboration with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), has unveiled a groundbreaking study aimed at charting the trajectory of India’s evolving cybersecurity skillset.
This initiative aims to pinpoint significant talent deficiencies, assess existing training programs, and create a strategic framework to fortify the nation’s cyber workforce.
As digital transformation accelerates, influenced by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, this study will offer an unprecedented examination of the cybersecurity skill demands throughout the region.
Identifying Skill Deficiencies & Industry Demands
This research endeavor will evaluate the discrepancies in cybersecurity training by scrutinizing the alignment between academic programs and industry requirements.
It will illuminate critical roles, such as product engineering, threat intelligence, malware reverse engineering, forensic analysis, and incident management—areas frequently neglected by traditional educational approaches.
Furthermore, it will take into account new regulations, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, alongside the uptick in cyber threats and financial fraud in India.
As these threats become increasingly intricate, so too must the sophistication and specialization of skills within the cybersecurity workforce.
“India’s standing as a global leader in technology and cybersecurity is contingent upon the robustness of its cyber talent,” remarked Vinayak Godse, CEO of DSCI.
“This collaborative study with SANS represents an initial step toward comprehending our current state and pinpointing what is essential for future resilience. It centers not merely on the quantity of professionals but on the caliber, specialization, and practical readiness of their expertise.”
According to Atul Kumar, Director at DSCI: “A significant disconnect persists between academic production and market demand. This research will yield practical insights to synchronize education, policy, and workforce initiatives, thus fostering a more adaptable and forward-looking skilling landscape.”
SANS: Addressing Local Challenges with Global Expertise
As a preeminent force in advanced cybersecurity education, SANS contributes profound expertise and empirically supported methodologies to this venture. Its findings will be disseminated among stakeholders spanning government, industry, and academia, guiding upskilling initiatives across the nation.
In the midst of a substantial transformation in India’s digital ecosystem, there remains a palpable struggle within the cybersecurity sector to keep pace.
Despite India’s rising prominence as a global hub for cybersecurity services—housing research and development centers, Security Operations Centers (SOCs), and product development teams—a notable imbalance continues to exist between the availability and need for skilled cyber professionals.
“The cybersecurity domain is evolving at a speed that conventional educational frameworks can no longer accommodate. Through this pioneering study in partnership with DSCI, we aim to drive strategic skilling interventions that will equip India’s cybersecurity workforce with the necessary capabilities to confront today’s complex threat landscape,” asserted Suresh Mustapha, Managing Director, SANS Institute – Asia Pacific.
Arindam Roy, Country Director – South Asia at SANS, further emphasized: “Our objective is to ensure that India’s workforce is adequately prepared for emerging cyber threats. This research underscores our dedication to enhancing India’s digital resilience, and we take pride in collaborating with DSCI on this vital initiative.”
Source link: Uniindia.com.
