In a world that's increasingly dependant on computers and the cloud for day-to-day functioning, the risks posed by hackers is very real. Identifying this, the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), Data Security Council of India (DSCI)and security software company Symantec have collectively announced their Cyber Security Skill Development Initiative.
The consortium, which signed an MoU last year to create the initiative, believes that the cyber security sector possesses great potential with a projected revenue earning of about $35 billion, creating one million new jobs, the Business Standard reported.
"We estimate that cyber security is about $2.5-3 billion or about 2 percent of the close to $150 billion Indian IT sector. With the sector on track to reach $350 billion by 2025, we estimate 10 percent of this to be cyber security," NASSCOM Chair Cyber Security Task Force Rajendra Pawar said at a press conference.
NASSCOM set up the task force with the intent to position India as the global hub for data security, the Times of India reported. NASSCOM estimated that the IT security market will be worth about $77 billion in 2015, with a work force of about 4 million people. In accordance with the 8 percent growth rate it has pegged against the sector, it further estimates that the workforce will grow to 6 million in 2019.
Under the initiative, the consortium launched the National Occupational Standards for 10 cyber security job roles with the corresponding Qualification Packs (QP) in line with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).
Symantec also announced that it would be awarding scholarships to 1,000 women undertaking the course. "Building the next generation of cyber professionals is key to securing India's critical information infrastructure, battling cybercrime and making the 'Digital India' initiative successful," Sanjay Rohatgi, senior vice-president of Asia Pacific and Japan at Symantec, said.
"As the global leader in cyber security, Symantec partners closely with governments and law enforcement agencies around the world. Leading on from our commitment in 2015, we continue to work closely with NASSCOM to build a cadre of world class, skilled and certified cyber security professionals in India, with a special focus on youth and women."
NASSCOM President R Chandrashekhar added that the initiative would help curb cyber crime, while developing a generation of skilled youth.
