TalentSprint, in association with Atlantis Analytics and Sypris Electronics, launched Cyber Defense Competency Center that will cater to cyber education, skills, and analytical needs of the organisations in cyber security arena. The centre will be operational by November and will operate from TalentSprint office.

The launch was presided over by E S L Narasimhan, governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, B V R Mohan Reddy, chairman NASSCOM, and other prominent dignitaries. With Internet becoming critical to businesses across sectors, the need for a powerful cyber security system, that is equipped to deal with complex Internet crimes, cannot be overemphasised. According to a report, India will need 1 million cyber security professionals by 2020.

ESL Narasimhan, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governor, said, “India should develop both offensive and defensive capabilities in cyber security. It is important that critical national infrastructure is safeguarded from cyber attacks. There is a need to step up capacity building efforts to prevent future threats. Cyber threats are there is every sphere and sector, be it defence, energy, health or other. Agencies at national and State level should have internal monitoring mechanism of the systems used to predict and stop incidents.”

JA Chowdary, chairman, TalentSprint, “With increasing threat from ransomware, cyber security is becoming more critical. More than 6 million cyber security professionals are required globally and the availability is very scarce. Those launching cyber attacks are more advanced and this calls for capabilities to tackle this threat.

BVR Mohan Reddy, chairman, Nasscom, said, “Disruption in technology space is happening fast. Cyber security is no more restricted to banking and financial sector but has become relevant to business and governments alike. With Internet of Things (IoT), cyber threats are also increasing exponentially. Almost 20 billion people and devices will be connected by 2020 globally which will push the need for cyber security further. There is a big opportunity for India in contributing to cyber security both in product and services. Nasscom has initiated National Cyber Security Council and a Cyber Security Task Force which are both aiming to address the challenges the nation is facing.”

Brian Maguire, VP, Sypris Electronics, said “These are exciting times to be entering the Indian market. We are thrilled to partner with organisations that are relentlessly working to mobilise and rapidly close existing skill gap of trained cyber security professionals”.

Ranjeet Mishra, CEO, Atlantics Analytics, added, “We see a huge potential in addressing workforce skills gap in cyber security, given that targeted attacks aimed at Indian enterprises and consumers are on the rise. This partnership will focus on developing pioneering models for scaling up capacity and enhancing employability through assessments and certifications”.

Santanu Paul, CEO and MD of TalentSprint told Metro India, “We are fully committed to empowering 1 million professionals by 2020. This partnership will play a pivotal role in attaining this vision and bringing world class cyber defense practices and experiential learning to the Indian talent ecosystem. The centre will be operational by November from when it will roll out three programmes on cyber security meeting the requirements of top management/ decision makers, managers and entry level professionals.”