Bridging of India's cyber security gaping gap

India is working on an unprecedented digital transformation. With the rapid acceptance of cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital payment systems, the country’s digital economy is reached by 2027-28 $ 1 trillion. However, this growth brings an increasing wave of cyber threats. According to a PwC report, India had an increase in cyber attacks in 2023 a week, which affected critical infrastructure, businesses and government agencies. India faces a serious shortage of professionals in cyber security, a challenge that can undermine digital confidence and national security. The growing skills crisis in cyber security. A report from Nasscom states that the India needs at least one million professionals in cyber security, but currently has less than half the number. The demand exceeds the supply at an alarming rate, which makes organizations vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats. A key issue is the lack of structured leather for cyber security, especially at undergraduate and early career levels. Traditional IT programs often fail to equip students with the defensive, analytical and compliance-oriented skills needed for modern cyber security roles. The lack of skilled professionals is the biggest obstacle to effective implementation of cyber security in Indian businesses. Without a steady pipeline of well-trained security experts, businesses are forced to either outsource critical security functions, or to leave vulnerabilities, which increases the risk of data offenses. Building a talent pipeline by leaders in the early skills industry agrees that the skill of students and professionals in the early career is the most sustainable way to bridge this void. Industry leaders also emphasized the need for educational institutions and cooperation in the industry to create specialized training programs in cyber security. Similarly, a report from the World Economic Forum indicates that the integration of cyber security in the mainstream curriculum can significantly reduce the skills shortages over time. The solution lies in structured, practical learning programs that provide students with practical experience in areas such as identity and access management (IAM), threat detection, compliance and cloud safety. Unlike traditional IT courses, cyber security requires a proactive, defense-oriented mindset that cannot be learned from textbooks alone. Interactive labs, industry certification programs and simulations in the real world must become a fundamental part of training cyber security. How the leaders in the industry make a difference in recognizing this need, it is for future readiness to address the skills shortage. Various businesses work with universities to launch cyber security courses, internship opportunities and mentoring programs. By providing access to instruments and case studies in the industry, these initiative students help build the practical expertise needed for challenges in the world. It ranges from technical bootcamps to formal memoranda of understanding and helps students get early exposure to real security challenges and business instruments. Such collaborations are instrumental in preparing students on demand roles and creating a talent pipeline that reflects the current industry needs. Educational institutions that open their doors to workshops, guest lectures and mentorship programs benefit from higher student involvement and stronger outcomes for job placements. The role of ongoing learning in cyber security warning security is not a one-time skill Non-this requires constant boom to keep up with the development of threats. Organizations should invest in lifelong learning for their security teams and encourage participation in continuous training, certification and safety exercises. According to the IEEE study, “bridging of cyber security education and demands of the industry: mapping and prioritization of knowledge areas”, there is a significant maladjustment between current academic curricula and the developing needs of the workforce in cyber security. Government agencies, academia and businesses must work together to create a sustainable workforce of cyber security. Initiatives such as Thecyber Surakshit Bharat initiative by the Indian government, which aims to increase cyber security awareness and training, must be supplemented by flexible, operating skills that cater for students and workers. The way forward The skills gap in cyber security is not just a challenge in the industry – it is a national security issue. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for skilled professionals is urgent than ever. Educational institutions must integrate cyber security into their core curricula, investments must invest in returns initiatives, and prospective professionals must actively seek learning opportunities in this area. Certification programs for new age, collaboration workshops and leadership mentorships help build the next generation of cyber defenders. Although no single initiative can close the skills gap overnight, a joint effort by the industry, academia and the government can create a robust pipeline of talent for cyber security. It’s time to prioritize cyber security – not just like a necessity, but as a national imperative. Suraj Krishnaiah is vice president, enabling and solutions to the security software business Saviynt. The opinion expressed is the author’s own