American Information Technology (IT) company Kyndryl announced on Thursday, May 30, that it has partnered with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), an industry body under Nasscom, to provide free cybersecurity training to 25,000 Indian students over the next three years. According to a PTI report, the first batch of the Cyber Sainik programme is set to begin in July.
The Cyber Sainik programme is designed to act as a first line of defence against cyber threats, including cyberbullying and online exploitation. It aims to equip students from grades 6 to 12 with the skills, tools, and techniques necessary to identify and counteract malicious activities on digital, online, and social media platforms. Upon completing the course, students will receive a joint certification from Kyndryl and DSCI, the report added.
Vinayak Godse, CEO of DSCI, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that children and teenagers are increasingly engaging with the digital world as part of their education and lifestyle. He expressed confidence that the Cyber Sainik programme would provide students with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the online space securely.
What is cyber security?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes. As our reliance on technology grows, so does the sophistication and frequency of cyber threats, ranging from phishing and malware to sophisticated state-sponsored attacks. Effective cybersecurity measures encompass multiple layers of protection across computers, networks, and data, and require coordinated efforts across an organization's IT infrastructure. This includes implementing robust security protocols, regular system updates, employee training, and developing contingency plans to mitigate potential breaches. In an increasingly connected world, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated, as it is essential for safeguarding personal privacy, protecting business assets, and maintaining national security.
