Cisco, a renowned global technology leader, has forged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka Innovation Technology Society (KITS), under the purview of the Department of Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka. The collaboration aims to impart cybersecurity skills and awareness training to 40,000 individuals, with a notable emphasis on gender diversity by ensuring women constitute half of the trained workforce. This initiative comes in response to the escalating demand for cybersecurity professionals as organizations strive to fortify their defenses against the evolving threat landscape.
The urgency for cybersecurity preparedness is underscored by statistics revealing that 90% of organizations in India anticipate cybersecurity incidents disrupting their operations within the next 12 to 24 months, as per Cisco’s Cybersecurity Readiness Index. Moreover, with 40% of cybersecurity teams in Indian organizations reported as understaffed, as highlighted in an Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) report, the imperative for skill readiness becomes evident. The collaboration between Cisco and KITS signifies a concerted effort to equip students with job-ready cybersecurity competencies essential for addressing the burgeoning security challenges of the future.
Furthermore, the partnership entails a ‘Train the Trainers’ program designed to empower college faculties with the requisite knowledge and skills to cultivate a robust cyber ecosystem. This initiative also prioritizes enhancing cyber awareness among citizens to bolster their online safety and security.
“As the digital-first world evolves, placing cybersecurity at the forefront, the imperative to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to cyber threats has become increasingly crucial. Our collaboration with the Karnataka Innovation Technology Society and the Government of Karnataka Centre of Excellence for Cybersecurity underscores our commitment to empowering disadvantaged sections of society, including students, teachers, and senior citizens, with critical cybersecurity skills and awareness to protect against threats and be safer online. As we navigate the new world, we remain steadfast in our mission to enable individuals to defend digital domains and create a secure and sustainable future for all.’’ said Harish Krishnan, Managing Director and Chief Policy Officer, Cisco India & SAARC.
In addition to the training initiatives, Cisco will collaborate with the Government of Karnataka Centre of Excellence for Cybersecurity to advance cybersecurity awareness and skill development among students and professionals. Through Cisco Networking Academy, a pioneering IT skills-to-jobs program, cybersecurity courses will be provided, covering a spectrum of topics from foundational to advanced levels. Furthermore, webinar sessions and knowledge workshops will be conducted to enrich students’ learning experiences.
Commenting on the announcement, Dr Ekroop Caur, IAS, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, Government of Karnataka said, “The need for a cyber-resilient workforce is integral. We look forward to working with Cisco, to empower young professionals across the state with essential skills and job-ready capabilities to safeguard themselves and organisations from risks in an increasingly digital-driven world. Through this engagement, we will be imparting cybersecurity skilling for 40,000 individuals, aiming for 50% of the beneficiaries to be women.’’
These strategic alliances mark a significant stride in Cisco’s overarching mission to bridge the digital skills gap and prepare India’s workforce for the demands of the future job landscape. By fostering collaborations and investing in cybersecurity education and awareness, Cisco endeavors to empower individuals and organizations to navigate the digital realm securely and effectively.
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