One million cyber security professionals needed by 2020

Many aspiring cyber security professionals have a good reason to celebrate. Major attacks have taken place on the servers of reputed companies, and job opportunities are high for cyber security specialists. It’s a good time to enter the industry.

The need for cyber professionals in India is big, and students are making a beeline for such courses. But despite the growing request, there are many things lacking in the cyber security training ecosystem. Some of these include bad infrastructure and awareness in the education sector, inadequate presence of qualified trainers and businesses not investing enough in security.

Moreover, there is a dearth of specialized courses. Every 18 months, there is a change in hardware and software technology. Aspirants need to constantly update themselves.

Two years ago, the Union ministry of information technology predicted that India would need five lakh cyber security professionals by 2015. It was predicted that the current supply then was just 50,000.

From the financial and telecom sector to the utility sector, request for specialists is greater than supply. For example, security reviews occur on a 24×7 basis in banks. It is prevalent for banks to have a diligently secured strategy where they deal with multiple partners. Companies usually hire an ME or M.Tech in Information Security, or an individual with well-known and reputed certifications like CISSP.

Experts are also required in quick incident response, event monitoring, collection of forensic evidence, and identification of security threats/alarms.

The current scenario reminds one of the late 1970s when engineers in any discipline would handle IT-related issues, but that will not save the day in today’s times.

Attempts are being made to remedy the situation. For instance, Nasscom and Symantec have signed a MoU to develop world-class certified and skilled professionals. This initiative has been taken along with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and the Sector Skill Council (SSC). Nasscom is focusing on funding a scholarship for 1,000 women to train them in cyber security. It also intends to develop five prioritized job roles in cyber security and create a master training programme.

Another example is the collaboration of Jetking’s with American company Testout to provide simulation educational modules for practical learning purposes.

Although most companies have plans in store to address their cyber security concerns, the implementation of these plans is yet to be seen strongly. There is a long path to cover. Education is a start. M.Tech and MCA students need to focus and specialize. Short-term internships that are aligned with university timelines can play a big role. Student connect programs can also help.

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