According to NIIT Foundation – a not-for-profit education society (NGO) set up by the promoters of NIIT in 2004 – there were almost 3 million cybersecurity jobs in 2024. “Cybersecurity is a hot opportunity, and jobs haven’t yet peaked,” says Sapna Moudgil, chief executive officer, NIIT Foundation, which runs educational initiatives and skill development programmes for the underprivileged. In an interview with FE’s Vikram Chaudhary, she shares several job roles that students can target. Excerpts:
How many jobs are there in the cybersecurity space? What’s the trend like?
The demand for cybersecurity professionals in India has been steadily increasing. In 2021, there were about 1.5 million cybersecurity jobs, which jumped to 2 million in 2022, and about 2.5 million in 2023. Projections indicate that the number of jobs will surpass 3 million in 2024. This growth is largely driven by the rise in cyberthreats, the need for regulatory compliance, and digital transformation across sectors. Jobs haven’t yet peaked, and there are plenty of opportunities for those with the right skills and passion for protecting digital spaces.
What are these job roles like?
There are several roles that students can target:
Security analysts (those who monitor and analyse threats);
Penetration testers (act as ethical hackers to uncover vulnerabilities);
Security engineers (design robust security systems);
Incident responders (tackle breaches swiftly);
Compliance analysts (ensure adherence to regulations);
Cloud security specialists (address unique challenges of cloud computing);
Forensic analysts (investigate cyber incidents); and
Cybersecurity consultants (provide strategic advice).
With the digital landscape evolving rapidly, it’s the right time to dive into these impactful careers.
What is NIIT Foundation doing towards creating a skilled cybersecurity professional pipeline?
We addressed the cybersecurity skills gap through the Cyber Suraksha Initiative launched in 2022. A three-year programme, its goal is to train 1 million students in cybersecurity by 2025, with a notable goal of achieving 40% female participation. So far, this initiative has trained over 612,886 students in cyber awareness and security, across 27 states and 5 Union territories. I’m happy to see that female participation averaged 40.5% in the first two years, with a three-percentage point increase in the second year. This programme, which reached 72% districts in the second year, not only aims to equip students with vital skills, but also promotes cyber awareness in communities.
What about placements?
We have placed over 10,300 students in big companies like Accenture, EY, and Deloitte, with an average placement package of Rs 6.3 lakh per annum. We have also been able to enhance cybersecurity awareness among frontline workers, farmers, and individuals with disabilities. Our target remains ambitious, and yet achievable – to train 1 million students by 2025, continuing our commitment to inclusive growth and empowerment.
Do you also run digital skilling initiatives?
Yes, we have established Career Development Centres in remote areas of India, focusing on digital literacy to help unemployed youth aged 18-30 gain essential skills for employment in the organised sector. Additionally, our IT Foundation Centres in tier-3 towns target students aged 16-30, offering long-term courses that not only enhance technical skills, but also focus on personality development, communication, and work etiquette. Our innovative Digital Literacy Programme is particularly impactful, utilising mobile classrooms (called Digital Buses) to reach underserved communities, providing access to technology and training that empowers students to navigate the digital world confidently.
