India leads with 72% of learners, fueling cybersecurity program demand

The demand for cybersecurity programs is on the rise, with 72 percent of learners coming from India, according to a report released by Simplilearn, a global digital skills training provider. The report, titled “Safeguarding the Digital Frontier – Cybersecurity Trends and Upskilling Outlook for 2024,” highlights the increasing need for qualified cybersecurity professionals in an era dominated by digital transactions. It emphasizes the role of cybersecurity in protecting infrastructure and sensitive data from evolving cyber threats.

The report reveals that cyberattacks have led to significant financial losses globally and are projected to cost $10.5 trillion by 2025. Consumer risks, such as personal data breaches, fraud, and identity theft, are also increasing. Simplilearn aims to address this critical need for cybersecurity measures by providing professionals with the necessary skills to navigate and mitigate cyber threats.

India’s cybersecurity landscape has seen a significant transformation due to the surge in digital transactions driven by demonetization. Over the past three years, there have been over 16 lakh cybercrime incidents reported in India, with financial fraud accounting for 77.41 percent of all reported cybercrimes.

The rise in cyber threats globally highlights the growing demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals. The global cybersecurity market is forecasted to have a compound annual growth rate of 13.8 percent from 2023 to 2030. Simplilearn has responded to this need by offering specialized cybersecurity programs in partnership with academic institutions and industry organizations.

Some of the most popular programs in India include:

• Advanced Executive Program in Cyber Security in partnership with IIITB and NPCI
• Professional Certificate Program in Cyber Security with IITK

These programs focus on building payment systems at scale and offensive security measures for securing servers and data centers against external threats.

The report underscores the significance of cybersecurity in the digital age and the need for a trained workforce to counter evolving threats. Simplilearn’s programs have seen a 25 percent increase in learner interest year over year, reflecting the global trend of prioritizing digital security education.