In an era where cybersecurity threats loom large over the digital horizon, India’s cybersecurity services industry is witnessing remarkable growth, projected to reach US$7.6 billion in 2022 and US$13.6 billion by 2025. This rapid expansion is reflective of an urgent need for robust cyber defenses, a need that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is addressing through its groundbreaking initiative: the ISRO cyber security free course.
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The Escalating Cyber Threat Landscape in India
India’s cybersecurity landscape is under intense pressure, evidenced by the alarming rate of cyberattacks. In 2020 alone, the nation witnessed nearly 1.16 million cyberattacks, averaging over 3,000 incidents daily. The first quarter of 2023 saw over 500 million cyberattacks in India, showcasing an 18% weekly increase in such incidents. These staggering figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and skilled professionals in this domain.
ISRO’s Pioneering Initiative: The Free Cybersecurity Course
ISRO, in its endeavor to fortify India’s digital defenses, has introduced the ‘Course on Geo-Data Sharing and Cyber Security’. This free online certificate course is conducted by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) and is tailored for government IT professionals. Spanning 14 days, this course aims to address the critical gap in cybersecurity skills within government sectors.
Course Overview and Objectives
The ISRO cyber security free course focuses on Cyber Security and Cyber Defense of Critical Infrastructures, alongside Geo-Data Sharing. Its objectives are multifaceted:
- Upskilling Government IT Professionals: Designed for Central and State Government employees, the course aims to enhance their abilities to tackle emerging cyber threats.
- Bridging the Skill Gap in Cybersecurity: With 59% of cybersecurity leaders reporting understaffing, this course is a timely intervention to address the skill shortage in the field.
- Promoting Research and Startup Culture: The course also aims to foster startups in remote sensing data and geo-informatics, thereby promoting innovation in cybersecurity technologies.
Curriculum and Learning Outcomes
The curriculum includes theoretical and practical aspects of cyber defense and threats, with a focus on:
- Cybersecurity challenges and solutions.
- Software tools for secure data access.
- Ensuring safe transactions in web and mobile applications.
The course is expected to equip participants with essential technical skills like identity and access management, cloud computing, and data protection, as well as soft skills like communication and critical thinking, which are increasingly crucial in the cybersecurity domain.
Registration Process for the ISRO Cyber Security Free Course
- Accessing Registration Information:
- Participants can find course updates and the registration form on the IIRS website.
- Options for Registration:
- Individuals have two options for registration: They can register individually or through their respective Institutes/Universities/departments if they are networked under the IIRS Outreach Programme.
- For institutions not listed under the IIRS Outreach Programme, there’s a process to register the organization under the IIRS Outreach Network. This includes providing details such as the type of organization, organization details, personal details of the nominated coordinator/focal person, and nomination & request letter details.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- The course is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students (any year), technical and scientific staff of Central/State Government Ministries and Departments, and faculty and researchers at universities/institutions.
- Filling Out the Form:
- Interested individuals must fill out and submit the registration form to get a registration number.
- For online registration, they need to visit https://admission.iirs.gov.in/.
- Waiting for Approval:
- After submitting the form, participants should wait for an approval email and login credentials from IIRS.
- Accessing the Course:
- Once approved, participants can log in to the IIRS Eclass platform to attend the sessions in live or offline mode.
Certification Criteria
- Attendance Requirement:
- To be eligible for certification, participants must achieve 70% attendance during the course.
- Additional Requirements:
- For working professionals, the award of a certificate is based on 70% attendance and submission of assignments.
- For students, the certificate is awarded based on 70% attendance and an online examination.
- Duration of the Program:
- The course spans 14 days and is offered free of cost.
Significance and Impact of ISRO’s Initiative
Empowering the Workforce
ISRO’s initiative is a beacon in the current cyber threat landscape, which has become increasingly challenging. With 75% of cybersecurity professionals acknowledging the intensity of threats, the course’s focus on skills like cloud computing security, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and zero trust implementation is timely and critical.
Addressing the Global Cybersecurity Workforce Gap
The ISRO cyber security free course is not just a national effort but part of a global movement to address the cybersecurity workforce gap. The ISC2 2023 Workforce Study highlights a record high demand for cybersecurity professionals, with 4 million needed globally. India’s contribution to this workforce through such initiatives is pivotal.
Bridging Skills Gaps
A staggering 92% of cybersecurity professionals report skills gaps in their organizations. By covering essential areas like AI and cloud computing, ISRO’s course directly addresses these gaps, bolstering the capabilities of India’s cybersecurity workforce.
Global Trends in Cybersecurity Training
Growing Demand for Skilled Professionals
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is surging globally, with a predicted 78% increase in demand for technical contributors and managers in the coming year. ISRO’s course aligns with this trend, preparing professionals for future roles in cybersecurity management and technical domains.
Investment in Training and Development
Organizations worldwide are investing in staff training, with 72% of respondents in the ISC2 study highlighting this trend. ISRO’s free course is part of this larger investment in cybersecurity education, reflecting a global acknowledgment of the importance of continuous learning and development.
The Role of Certifications and Qualifications
An overwhelming 95% of employers value hands-on experience, with a significant emphasis on information security or cybersecurity credentials. Certifications, like the one offered by ISRO, are crucial in validating expertise and guiding structured learning in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.
The Bottom Line
The ISRO cyber security free course represents a strategic step in equipping India’s IT workforce with critical cybersecurity skills, addressing both national and global demands. By focusing on the latest challenges and trends in the field, ISRO is not only enhancing India’s cybersecurity posture but also contributing significantly to the global effort in building a resilient and skilled cybersecurity workforce. This initiative serves as a model for other nations and organizations, emphasizing the importance of proactive and continuous education in the dynamic realm of cybersecurity.