India is rapidly emerging as a global digital powerhouse, but with this digital revolution comes the need for increased cybersecurity. As of May 2023, there are a staggering 40,000 job openings for cybersecurity professionals in India. However, nearly 30% of these vacancies remain unfilled due to a severe skill shortage.
According to TeamLease Digital, a subsidiary of TeamLease Services, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is continuously growing due to the exponential growth of digital technology in every sector. Businesses are struggling to recruit qualified personnel to meet this demand. The key cybersecurity skills in high demand include data privacy, cloud security, AI security, and network security. In addition to technical skills, soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and collaboration are highly sought after.
The top roles in the field of cybersecurity jobs in India in 2023 include IT auditor, Information Security analyst, Network/IT Security Engineer/Specialist, Security Testing/Penetration Tester, and Computer Forensics analyst. Sunil Chemmankotil, CEO of TeamLease Digital, emphasizes the need for proactive measures against cyber threats as India Inc. adopts digital infrastructures.
The cybersecurity skill gap in 2023 is a complex issue with several contributing factors. One of the main factors is the misconception that only individuals with a technical background in IT security or engineering can pursue a career in cybersecurity. This misconception discourages non-traditional candidates from considering a career in cybersecurity, widening the skill gap. However, many technical skills can be acquired on-the-job through proper training and development, and apprenticeships can play a vital role in bringing individuals into the cybersecurity field.
To bridge the cybersecurity skill gap in 2023, collaboration between the private sector, which manages most IT infrastructure, and the government is crucial. The government can shape systems of education and public service to facilitate the training of cybersecurity experts, while local level initiatives can raise awareness of cybersecurity career paths and dispel the notion that the field is only open to a particular group of people. Clear and specific job descriptions are also important to attract potential candidates.
Diversity is essential in the cybersecurity field, both in terms of candidate backgrounds and gender representation. Currently, women represent just 24% of cybersecurity professionals in India, and efforts should be made to increase this number. Offering scholarships and opportunities for underrepresented groups can promote cultural diversity and address the gender gap in cybersecurity jobs.
While efforts are being made to bridge the cybersecurity skill gap in 2023, it is equally important to develop retention strategies for cybersecurity professionals. Research shows that many in the cybersecurity workforce feel overworked, and a significant number of leaders in the field are considering changing jobs due to work-related stressors. Organizations should consider flexible work arrangements, employee wellbeing solutions, and competitive incentives to retain talent and close the skill gap.
Despite the challenges, the cybersecurity industry in India presents an untapped opportunity for the creation of skilled, long-term careers. The World Economic Forum has recognized the need to address the global cybersecurity skills gap and is convening a multistakeholder initiative. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the skills deficit, develop strategic approaches, and build sustainable cyber talent pipelines within organizations and across sectors.
Addressing the cybersecurity skill gap involves both short-term and long-term planning. In the short term, raising awareness, providing training, and recruiting from a diverse pool of candidates can alleviate the immediate demand for professionals. In the long term, integrating cybersecurity education into mainstream curricula, fostering industry-academia collaboration, and creating clear career paths will nurture a robust and skilled cybersecurity workforce.
In conclusion, while the cybersecurity skill gap in 2023 presents a daunting challenge, it also offers a significant opportunity for India to establish itself as a global leader in cybersecurity. By harnessing the untapped potential of a diverse talent pool and equipping them with the necessary skills, India can turn this challenge into a strategic advantage. Collaboration between the private sector and the government, along with efforts to promote diversity and retention, are essential in bridging the cybersecurity skill gap and securing a prosperous future for India’s digital landscape.