India grapples with a burgeoning cybersecurity challenge, witnessing a staggering 761 cyber threat detections per minute in 2023. The urgency for effective solutions is palpable, as time and talent become pivotal in safeguarding against evolving cyber threats. Pradeep Rao, Director and Chief Architect at Kyndryl, emphasizes the need for adaptability in this ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
The State of Cybersecurity in India
With over 400 million cyber threats across 8.5 million endpoints in 2023, and a concerning 73% of Indian mid- and large companies facing ransomware attacks, CEOs and boards are taking proactive measures in steering their organizations’ cyber defense strategies.
Companies, especially in the banking, financial services, and insurance sector, find themselves in the midst of a cybersecurity talent crunch. To combat understaffing, they are increasingly investing in training non-security personnel. LinkedIn data reveals that companies seek an average of 3.8 years of prior experience when hiring in the Cybersecurity/IT/Data category.
Unlocking a Career in Cybersecurity
In-Demand Roles
One of the fastest-growing jobs in India over the past five years is the Product Security Engineer. This role involves designing programming to enhance security and customer safety for a company’s product offerings. LinkedIn data identifies Greater Bengaluru Area, Pune/Pimpri-Chinchwad Area, and Greater Delhi Area as the top regions hiring for this role.
Insights Analyst and Quantitative Developer are also among the fastest-growing jobs, showcasing the diverse opportunities in the cybersecurity field.
Expert Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Contrary to popular belief, a career in cybersecurity extends beyond hacking and penetration testing. Santosh Kamane, CEO of CyberFIT Solutions Pvt Ltd, emphasizes that it encompasses a range of skills, including technical proficiency, analytical thinking, communication, crisis management, and leadership. Whether you are a network engineer, programmer, project manager, data analyst, or business strategist, there is a cybersecurity role aligned with your strengths and aspirations.
Akhilesh Tuteja, Global Head – Cyber Security Consulting at KPMG, highlights that not all cybersecurity roles require deep technical skills. Governance, risk management, and security training are equally vital and lucrative in the cybersecurity domain.
Skills and Expertise in Demand
LinkedIn data identifies Product Security, Application Security, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Assessment, Penetration Testing, and Cloud Security as the top skills related to cybersecurity and data privacy. Alongside technical skills, professionals are advised to familiarize themselves with the legal aspects of cybersecurity, data protection laws, and technologies safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Defending Against Cyber Threats: Tips from Experts
Saurabh Arora, CTO at Plum, stresses the importance of proactive employee training as the first line of defense against cyber threats. Engaging training covering phishing, safe web browsing, passwords, physical security, social engineering, and incident reporting is crucial. Additionally, firms need to assess defenses with red teams of ethical hackers to simulate realistic scenarios.
The Rise of Indian Startups
Over the last two years, Indian startups have witnessed a significant surge, raising almost $130.7 million, a 63% increase from the previous two years. The rising number of data security breaches and advancements in AI contribute to this growth.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, with Amit Jaju, Partner at Ankura, highlighting its role in both threat detection and cyber-attacks. Shyam Penumaka, Partner at Dallas Venture Capital (DVC), predicts a substantial increase in investments driven by the intersection of AI with cybersecurity.
Challenges and Opportunities for Startups
Swarnali Singha, co-founder and Chief Business Officer at ZERON, shares insights into the challenges faced by cybersecurity startups in India, including budget constraints, limited awareness, skills gaps, and a constantly evolving threat landscape. She advises startups to niche down, address India’s unique needs, and communicate the business impact of cybersecurity effectively.
In conclusion, India’s journey is at a critical juncture. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the challenges and opportunities. Professionals, organizations, and startups must collaborate, adapt, and innovate to ensure a secure digital future.
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