With an impressive number of around 40,000 vacancies, India is fast establishing itself as a major hub for cybersecurity jobs at the global level. The Indian cyber security sector is experiencing rapid growth and development, making the country an attractive destination for professionals in the field. The abundance of job openings demonstrates the increasing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals and consolidates India’s position as a thriving Centre for this industry.
The cyber security market is expected to reach $3.5 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 8.05%. There are 40,000 cyber security jobs in India as of May 2023. Cybersecurity skills in demand include data protection, cloud security, AI security and network security. Soft skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork and collaboration were also in high demand. The most in-demand jobs include IT auditor, information security analyst, network IT security engineer/specialist, security auditor/penetration tester and computer forensics analyst, according to the report by TeamLease Digital, a subsidiary of Teamlease Servcies.
According to a report, despite the 40,000 vacancies for cyber security professionals in India, there is a significant shortage of skilled workers. Surprisingly, around 30% of these vacancies could not be filled due to lack of qualified people. This skills gap highlights the need for increased cybersecurity education efforts, training programmes and skill development initiatives to bridge the gap between employment opportunities and availability of skilled professionals. It highlights the importance of investing in cybersecurity education to meet the growing demand for talent in this fast-growing sector.
Sharing his views, Mr Sunil Chemmankotil, Chief Executive Officer, TeamLease Digital, said “As India Inc. embraces digital infrastructures, the heightened vulnerability to cyber threats necessitates proactive measures. The prevalence of malware attacks, social engineering tactics, and other sophisticated cyber threats demands a comprehensive approach to safeguarding our digital frontiers.”
The study also shows that weekly cyber attacks globally increased by 7% to over 1,200 attacks per week, while Indian organisations experienced over 2,000 weekly attacks in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 18% year-on-year. The healthcare industry was a prime target, accounting for 7.7% of attacks.
Sharing his views, Mr Sunil Chemmankotil, Chief Executive Officer, TeamLease Digital, said “As India Inc. embraces digital infrastructures, the heightened vulnerability to cyber threats necessitates proactive measures. The prevalence of malware attacks, social engineering tactics, and other sophisticated cyber threats demands a comprehensive approach to safeguarding our digital frontiers.”
To effectively combat evolving cyber threats, the study highlights the importance of equipping the workforce with a broader range of cyber security skills. Specializations in areas such as data protection, cloud security, AI security and network security are in high demand. Soft skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork and collaboration are also essential in this field. The top jobs identified in the study include IT auditor, Information Security analyst, Network/ IT Security Engineer/Specialist, Security Testing/Penetration Tester and Computer Forensics analyst, with a base salary between 3 and 6 lakhs for 0-3 years of experience. In addition, senior and mid-level professionals with more than 12 years of experience have the potential to earn an annual salary in the range of 50-80 lakhs.
Mr Sunil further added , “By staying vigilant and resilient against emerging challenges such as AI-based attacks, IoT vulnerabilities, and metaverse cyber threats, we can fortify our digital landscape and pave the way for a secure and prosperous digital transformation. There were 40,000 jobs available as of May 2023, but the skill gap remains. There is an urgent need for upskilling the workforce and hiring qualified professionals.”
The research study reveals that the rapid expansion of digital transformation has increased vulnerability to cyber-attacks such as data theft and financial losses resulting from various use cases. It also addresses the challenges faced by India Inc. due to the shortage of skilled professionals in the field. It is also emphasized that India has the capability to take a leading role in developing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions by leveraging its robust and skilled workforce.
-SURESH RATHOD
