Technology major Cisco is set to train as many as 40,000 people in cybersecurity skills. The company signed a memorandum of understanding with Karnataka Innovation Technology Society (KITS) in this regard.
Half of the people who would be trained in cybersecurity skills and cyber awareness will be women.
Cisco’s Cybersecurity Readiness Index showed that 90 per cent of the companies and organisations in the country expect a cybersecurity threat to disrupt their businesses in the next 12 to 24 months. There is an urgent need to upskill people in cybersecurity as 40 per cent of cybersecurity teams in Indian firms are understaffed.
The collaboration between the Karnataka government and Cisco will help organisations to boost cybersecurity.
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, Harish Krishnan, managing director and chief policy officer, Cisco India and SAARC noted.
"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 cyber security skills and awareness to protect against threats and be safer online,” he added.
Cisco will also collaborate with the Government of Karnataka Centre of Excellence for Cybersecurity to promote cybersecurity awareness and skill-building among students and professionals.