- The collaboration aims to help students build job-ready cybersecurity skills and increase public cyber awareness across the state.
- Half of the individuals trained under this program will be women.
- Cisco has also partnered with the Karnataka government's Cybersecurity Center of Excellence to develop cybersecurity curriculum and conduct knowledge sessions for students, young startups, and professionals.
Cisco, a global technology leader, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karnataka Institute of Innovation and Technology (KITS), Department of Electronics, IT and BT, Government of Karnataka, to train 40,000 individuals in cybersecurity skills and cyber awareness. did. Women will now make up half of the workforce trained to meet the growing need for cyber talent as organizations seek to evolve and better defend against complex threat landscapes.
According to Cisco's Cybersecurity Readiness Index, 90% of organizations in India expect a cybersecurity incident to disrupt their business within the next 12 to 24 months. Additionally, as stated in a report by the Information Systems Audit and Management Association (ISACA), 40% of cybersecurity teams in Indian organizations are understaffed, highlighting the urgent need for skills readiness. This collaboration highlights our collective efforts to provide students with the job-ready cybersecurity skills they need to meet the growing security demands of the future.
Additionally, the partnership includes a “train the trainer” program that will provide university faculty with the knowledge and skills needed to build a robust cyber ecosystem. The program will also focus on increasing the public's cyber awareness, strengthening their defenses and helping them feel safer online.
“As the digital-first world evolves and cybersecurity comes to the forefront, it becomes increasingly important to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to cyber threats. Karnataka Innovation Technology Our collaboration with the Institute and the Karnataka Cybersecurity Center of Excellence will provide important cybersecurity information to disadvantaged sections of society, including students, teachers, and the elderly, to protect them from threats and become more secure. We highlight our commitment to imparting skills and awareness to online. As we navigate a new world, we empower individuals to protect the digital realm and create a secure and sustainable future for all. We will continue to uphold this mission.” Harish Krishnan, Managing Director and Chief Policy Officer, Cisco India and SAARC, said:
Additionally, Cisco will collaborate with the Karnataka government's Cybersecurity Center of Excellence to promote cybersecurity awareness and skill building among students and professionals. Cisco contributes to curriculum development by offering cybersecurity courses through the Cisco Networking Academy, one of the world's longest-running IT skills-to-job programs, offering a variety of courses from foundation to foundation. Conduct webinar sessions and knowledge workshops for students covering. Advanced level.
Commenting on this announcement, Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Electronic Information Department, IT, Bt, Government of Karnataka Said“The need for a cyber-resilient workforce is essential. Together with Cisco, we are equipping states with the skills and readiness they need to protect themselves and their organizations from risk in an increasingly digital world.” Through this initiative, we aim to award cybersecurity skills to 40,000 people and 50% of the beneficiaries will be women.”
These strategic partnerships represent a significant step forward in Cisco's mission to close the digital skills gap and prepare India's workforce for the future of work.
About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is a global technology leader that securely connects everything and makes anything possible. Our purpose is to help our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprises, transform their infrastructure, and achieve their sustainability goals by creating an inclusive environment for everyone. to promote a brighter future. Read more on The Newsroom and follow us on X. @cisco.
About Karnataka Institute of Innovation and Technology (KITS)
Established by the Government of Karnataka under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (IT) and Biotechnology (BT), KITS is dedicated to positioning Karnataka as a global leader in electronics, IT and biotechnology.
KITS plays a pivotal role in creating an environment conducive to the growth of the information technology and biotechnology sectors in the state. This includes promoting policies, promoting investment, and fostering a supportive startup ecosystem. Additionally, KITS acts as an interface between industry, academia, and research and development (R&D) institutions to address matters of interest, explore new technological areas, and foster cooperation with other countries and cities.
