NIIT Foundation And Cisco Train 5 Lakh Students Through Its Cyber Suraksha Program

~The Cyber Suraksha program, a collaborative effort between NIIT Foundation and Cisco, aims to raise awareness on cybersecurity, while also equipping individuals as cybersecurity professionals. ~

~The initiative has successfully trained 5 lakh individuals over the course of 2 years. ~

NIIT Foundation, in collaboration with Cisco announced the successful completion of the training for over 5 lakh individuals in cybersecurity through their Cyber Suraksha program, in the last two years. The major milestone was commemorated through a special event, attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).

The Cyber Suraksha program, a collaborative effort between the two originations, addresses the escalating concern of cyber threats by empowering citizens with the necessary knowledge to recognize and respond effectively to such challenges. Through this initiative, individuals are equipped with the tools and strategies necessary to safeguard themselves in today’s digital-first environment – with training sessions on online payment/banking processes and submission of documents, with emphasis on cybersecurity by raising awareness on phishing, malware, and other forms of cyberattacks.

Talking about the importance of the program Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) said “The “Cyber Suraksha” program by Cisco and NIIT Foundation is a very important step in filling the Cyber skill gap and addressing societal problems. The Cyber Suraksha program focuses on creating both Cyber Awareness and contributing to the Cyber Workforce. Additionally, the program promotes inclusivity and accessibility by ensuring that 40% of the individuals impacted are women. We need many such initiatives to make our nation more Cyber Resilient.”

Lauding the efforts of the team and enrolled students, Mr. Harish Krishnan, Managing Director & Chief Policy Officer, Cisco India & SAARC, noted, “We’re proud to mark a significant milestone in our Cyber Suraksha initiative, having equipped 5 lakh individuals with critical skills to safeguard against online threats. Through collaboration with the NIIT Foundation, we’re not just empowering individuals but also fortifying the very foundation of our digital society. As we forge ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to foster a secure digital ecosystem and drive positive change in our interconnected world.”

Mr. P Rajendran, Joint Managing Director & Co-Founder, NIIT Ltd, said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with CISCO in this Cyber Suraksha initiative, which has enabled NIIT Foundation to make a significant impact in the communities that we serve. From students and teachers to vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, farmers, and people with special needs, a diverse cross-section of the society has benefited from the first 2-year phase of this program, gaining the skills and confidence to protect themselves while online. This initiative also prepares youth for careers in Cybersecurity, enabling them to defend digital domains in organizations. It is heartening to see these career aspirants benefit from the CISCO Cyber Ops certificates awarded to them through this initiative, to start exciting livelihoods. Our goal is also to nudge the beneficiaries of this program to become Cyber Suraksha ambassadors, to proliferate their knowledge for the benefit of the communities they relate to and thus be a force multiplier to amplify the impact of this Cyber Suraksha initiative, many times over.”

Through the Cyber Suraksha initiative, NIIT Foundation and Cisco witnessed representation from 27 states and 5 Union Territories, with 42% female participation, impacting an array of communities such as frontline workers, farmers, senior citizens, and the LGBTQ community, along with esteemed institutions such as the Armed Forces, the Air Forces, and police departments. Additionally, the organizations facilitate the placement of students who complete advanced training within the program and aim to provide placement opportunities in cybersecurity jobs to 20,000 students over 3 years.