FROM THE CEO’S DESK
BUILDING CYBERSECURITY MINDSET AND SKILLS
India is seeing a quiet but powerful shift in the way people learn, work, communicate, and access essential services. We are in a hurry to go online - because digital feels like the fastest, smartest way forward And in many ways, it is With millions of new users coming online each year, digital access has opened doors to opportunity like never before, but every time a new door opens, there is also someone waiting on the other side.
Those who scam are often the first to adapt to new technology. They move quickly, deliberately, and with intent counting on the fact that many users are still learning. We see this every day: so-called digital arrests, increasingly sophisticated ways of extracting OTPs, cloned WhatsApp chat windows that look uncannily real. These are not random acts. They are well thought out, constantly evolving, and deeply serious.
This is why safety in cyberspace can no longer be seen as a niche or technical skill. It is a life skill. Whether it is a student attending online classes, a woman entrepreneur using digital payments, an elderly person staying in touch with family, or a first-time smartphone user exploring the internet - each faces unique risks. Cyber fraud, misinformation, unsafe online behaviour, and low awareness continue to affect communities, especially those from underserved backgrounds
Yes, progress has been made. In addition to the awareness driven by the Government institutions like RBI and National Safety Council of India (NSCI), NIIT Foundation has skilled more than 17 Lakh people on cyber security. But this is still a drop in the ocean. but that is still a drop in the ocean.
There is much more to do. Every CSR programme that uses technology must ensure it is cybersafe. Every organisation working with digital tools must ask itself: are we protecting the people we aim to empower? And are our NGO partners equally safe in the cyber space? Digital inclusion without digital safety is incomplete. The time to act is now.
COVER STORY
CYBERSECURITY
As India grows more digital, citizens are increasingly using online platforms for communication, payments, learning, and essential services This opportunity also comes with rising digital risks fraud, identity theft, misinformation, and unsafe online behaviour. Firsttime users, gig workers, and low-digital-literacy communities often carry the highest risk. Building a cybersecurity mindset has become a fundamental requirement for safe and confident digital participation.
NIIT Foundation’s mission is to create awareness and career pathways in cybersecurity Our customised delivery model meets learners wherever they are. Short 2-hour modules support beginners, gig workers, and individuals with limited time, offering practical steps to stay safe online For students, jobseekers, and youth exploring technology careers, our 8–10 hour structured sessions dive deeper into real-world threats, safe practices, and an introduction to cybersecurity roles. Online formats ensure that learning continues regardless of location or schedule
Our commitment to inclusion shapes everything we design. Women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, rural communities, and low-income groups often face greater digital vulnerabilities. Our trainers tailor examples, language, and teaching styles to each group’s reality, making cybersecurity feel accessible rather than intimidating.
Cybersecurity is also a source of employability and upward mobility. With India’s growing need for cybersecurity professionals, our advanced modules and counselling support have enabled over 25 thousand placements, helping learners take their first steps into this emerging field
To date, the Cyber Suraksha initiative has reached over 17 Lakhs learners. Through strong partnerships with both government and private organisations, we continue expanding our reach and strengthening India’s digital safety ecosystem.
It is now available in 8 languages:
Women continue to be underrepresented in cybersecurity
Cyber Suraksha actively encourages their participation through targeted mobilization, relatable examples, and safe learning spaces.
Digital safety must be inclusive.
Digital opportunity must be shared
CASE STORIES
The Virtual Shield: Saloni’s
Path to Cyber Awareness
Saloni Jain, a second-year B.Tech IT student from Indore, had already built a strong academic foundation, excelling in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, SQL, HTML, and CSS. Despite her achievements, Saloni recognised a critical gap her curriculum offered limited exposure to practical cybersecurity skills, even as digital risks continued to grow.
Determined to bridge this gap, Saloni enrolled in a cybersecurity internship with NIIT Foundation in collaboration with Cisco. Courses such as Introduction to Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Essentials, and Introduction to Packet Tracer marked a decisive shift in her learning journey. The programme helped her move beyond theory to hands-on experience in threat identification, network security, and real-world problem-solving.
More than technical competence, the internship nurtured a proactive cybersecurity mindset. Saloni began advocating digital safety within her academic environment, sharing knowledge with peers and contributing to safer network practices. The experience boosted her confidence and positioned her as a well-rounded technology professional, capable of adapting to industry expectations.
Balancing academics, sports, and personal interests, Saloni’s journey highlights how structured skilling programmes can transform curiosity into capability equipping young learners to thrive in an increasingly security-driven digital economy.
The HiWEL Learning Station at Deepalaya, Okhla(Delhi), celebrated ‘Light, Learn & Grow Together for a Green Diwali’ on 15th Oct, showcasing creativity, innovation, and sustainability
“The Cisco Program has been amazing! I’ve learned so much, gained new skills, and become passionate about tech and cybersecurity. I’m excited to use my knowledge to make a difference and take my career to the next level.”
CASE STORIES
Story of Kunwar Anand Singh
From Cyber Victim to Community Advocate
Kunwar Anand Singh, a 50-year-old teacher from Sagarpur, Delhi, encountered cyber threats firsthand unauthorised bank transactions, email and social media account hacking, and online fraud attempts. These experiences revealed how vulnerable even informed individuals can be in the digital space. Rather than retreating from technology, Kunwar Anand chose to understand it.
His journey took a decisive turn when he joined the Cyber Suraksha Kavach Programme by NBT Newspaper, contributing to cyber awareness through articles. To deepen his understanding, he enrolled in the Cyber Security Programme by NIIT Foundation and Cisco, where he learned about fraud techniques, online risks, and preventive measures. Guided by his mentors, he developed practical strategies to protect personal data and remain vigilant online.
Today, Kunwar Anand applies these lessons in his own life and actively shares them with others Through writing and community outreach, he encourages caution, awareness, and responsible digital behaviour creating a ripple effect of cybersecurity consciousness among readers and peers.
“The knowledge gained from the NIIT Foundation and Cisco program has been life-changing. I am thankful to Ms. Muskan Singh and Mr. Mohit Kanojia for motivating me to join and explaining the importance of cyber security in today’s digital world.”
VOLUNTEER SPEAK
Shwetha Koppal
Volunteer, NF Center
Jalahalli, Bangalore
My experience with NF has been both enriching and professionally rewarding. Working closely with students, supporting their learning journeys, and being part of a purpose-driven environment made this association truly meaningful. NF provides a well-structured platform where learning goes beyond technical skills and emphasizes communication, confidence, and career readiness. My contribution has been independent, not as an employee, but in a senior digital leadership role, drawing on my experience in public technology forums, academic initiatives, and encouraging students to pursue STEM education and technology entrepreneurship.
I conducted interactive sessions, mentored students through group discussions and mock interviews, and guided them in choosing technologies aligned with their career goals. The collaborative culture and openness of the NF team made every interaction impactful. I particularly valued the focus on holistic development, including goal setting and professional profile building, which are essential for preparing students for real-world challenges.
The HiWEL Learning Station at Deepalaya, Okhla(Delhi), celebrated ‘Light, Learn & Grow Together for a Green Diwali’ on 15th Oct, showcasing creativity, innovation, and sustainability
This engagement strengthened my leadership perspective at the intersection of technology, education, and social impact. It has been both meaningful and professionally fulfilling, and I remain committed to supporting NF’s mission through thoughtful, scalable, and execution-focused digital leadership.
PARTNER TESTIMONIAL
CSR Head Sleepwell Foundation
Partnering with NIIT Foundation (NF) has been an enriching experience defined by their unwavering commitment to real, measurable grassroots impact. Across every interaction, the NIIT Foundation team displays a rare blend of professionalism, empathy, and purpose-driven action. NF doesn’t merely run programs; it builds sustainable pathways that empower individuals, families, and entire communities.
What truly impresses me is the NIIT Foundation’s ability to translate complex social challenges into practical, scalable solutions. NF's training models are thoughtfully designed, culturally grounded, and accessible, ensuring that even learners with limited exposure to formal opportunities in places like remote Khurja can thrive. Witnessing this transformation seeing learners at SWF Skill Development Centre, Khurja arrive with hesitation and leave with confidence, employability, and a renewed sense of possibility is profoundly rewarding.
Distinctive in its spirit of partnership, NF listens, adapts, and co-creates to ensure every initiative aligns with on-the-ground realities. It is rare to find an organization that effectively combines high-level vision with such grounded execution.
My experience has been nothing short of inspiring, and I eagerly look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration.
The HiWEL Learning Station at Deepalaya, Okhla(Delhi), celebrated ‘Light, Learn & Grow Together for a Green Diwali’ on 15th Oct, showcasing creativity, innovation, and sustainability
NEWS & EVENTS
On 15th Oct, NIIT Foundation & AngelOne organized a Tree Plantation Activity at Rakhiyal Municipal Urdu Madhyamik Shala in Gujarat, supporting Climate Action
NIIT Foundation organized an OnCampus Placement Drive on 28th Oct at Bon Maharaj Institute, Vrindavan, under the Infosys Springboard Livelihood Program
The HiWEL Learning Station at Deepalaya, Okhla(Delhi), celebrated ‘Light, Learn & Grow Together for a Green Diwali’ on 15th Oct, showcasing creativity, innovation, and sustainability
The Cisco Cyber Suraksha Plus Program was launched on 17th Nov 2025 in Sitarganj, Uttarakhand, to strengthen ITI students’ digital foundation
On 25th Nov 2025, the Angel One program hosted a Certificate Ceremony in Ahmedabad, celebrating 105 learners, with Sumit Bhukania from NIIT Foundation felicitating the occasion
A team of 20 students from CDC Gurgaon Sec-21 visited Hughes Systique on 12th Nov, receiving hands-on corporate exposure and guidance from industry professionals
The first SBIF LEAP batch was launched on 30th Oct 2025 at Hayathnagar with a lamp-lighting ceremony, graced by Sanjay Prakash, Swapan Dhar, and Dr. Charu Kapoor
MoU was signed on 17th Dec 2025 by Mr Amar Gupta(NIIT Foundation) and Dr. Om Prakash Bairwa (Commissionerate of College Education, Rajasthan) for Cybersecurity and AI employability programs
On 18th Dec 2025, Principal Ms. Pratima Kanwat inaugurated an IT Lab at SKV Raj Nagar–II, Delhi, set up by NIIT Foundation under the BPCL Project, with virtual participation from SKV Chhawla and SBV Bharthal
On 5th Dec 2025, at AISS 2025, NIIT Foundation was represented by Vikram Kumar alongside Geetanjali Gaur, Shubhi Takkar, and Robin Sarkar, highlighting cybersecurity in digital literacy
Cyber Suraksha Plus Milestone Event, held on 9th Dec 2025 in Mumbai, marked the empowerment of 1.5 million learners with essential Cyber Safety Skills
CHECKMATING CYBER THREATS: VISWANATHAN ANAND AND NIIT FOUNDATION TEAM-UP TO SECURE INDIA
NIIT Foundation marked a significant milestone in its cybersecurity journey with the onboarding of five-time World Chess Champion and Padma Vibhushan awardee Viswanathan Anand as the Ambassador for its cybersecurity awareness initiatives under Cyber Suraksha Plus. Anand’s association brings a powerful, relatable voice to NIIT Foundation’s mission of promoting safe and responsible digital behaviour across India.
“Chess teaches us that foresight, preparation, and vigilance are key to avoiding traps, and the same applies to the digital world. I’m delighted to join NIIT Foundation in empowering people with the knowledge and confidence to stay secure online. Together, we can help India think strategically and act safely in its digital journey.”
- Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand.
Cyber Suraksha Plus represents the advanced phase of NIIT Foundation’s national cybersecurity skilling and awareness programme, recognising cybersecurity not merely as a technical capability, but as an essential life skill. The initiative focuses on equipping youth and vulnerable communities with the awareness, confidence, and pathways needed to navigate an increasingly digital world safely
Reflecting on the significance of the collaboration, Sapna Moudgil, CEO, NIIT Foundation, noted: “Cybersecurity is not just a technical skill but a civic responsibility. Through Grandmaster Anand’s association, we hope to bring this message closer to every household encouraging people to think ahead, anticipate risks, and safeguard their digital presence with the same strategy and discipline that defines his game”
Building on the success of the original Cyber Suraksha programme which has already trained over 15 lakh learners - Cyber Suraksha Plus now aims to reach 27 lakh learners by 2028, progressing from awareness to specialised career tracks in AI-driven security, system protection, and ransomware defence
Cyber Safety
Championing
FUTURE-READY IMPACT WORKSHOP
EXPERIENCING HUMANITY, TECHNOLOGY, & INCLUSION
NIIT Foundation hosted the Future-Ready Impact: Humanity, Technology, and Inclusion experiential workshop in New Delhi, bringing together CSR leaders, policymakers, educators, and development practitioners for a deeply immersive engagement. Designed as a participatory convening rather than a presentation-led event, the workshop allowed participants to experience NIIT Foundation’s on- ground methodology through interactive learning zones, simulation stations, and real-time problemsolving activities.
Anchored in four core pillars - SDG-aligned outcomes, community-centred design, AI-enabled solutions, and a whole-person approach - the workshop showcased interventions across education, skilling, livelihoods, and inclusion, including the Digital Bus, HiWEL kiosks, Career Development Centres, and inclusive skilling programs.
The workshop featured a virtual special address by Shri Sujeet Kumar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), who underscored the importance of ensuring technology reaches rural and underserved communities meaningfully. A fireside conversation with NIIT Foundation leadership further explored the intersection of policy, technology, and inclusive impact, reinforcing that scalable change must remain human-centred.
FUTURE READY IMPACT
MEDIA COVERAGE
Chief Minister N. Rangasamy recently launched a smart classroom project, being implemented in collaboration with Indus Towers Limited, a telecom infrastructure provider. To boost digital literacy for over 3,000 beneficiaries
Over 150 engineering students are attending the four-day ‘Campus Recruitment Training (CRT) 2025: Youth Skilling Programme & Placement Drive’ at the University Institute of Technology, HPU
317 women aged 18–30 completed certified training in IT, customer service, and digital literacy Many, once homemakers or informal workers, are now employed in reputed firms and supporting their families financially.
Experiential learning learning by doing bridges this gap by applying theory to real-world contexts through internships, apprenticeships, innovation challenges, volunteering, and entrepreneurship
In today’s classrooms, students use digital tools but rarely learn how they work, who creates them, or how safe they are As
Experiential Workshop - The event highlighted lived realities beyond statistics, showcasing how 13 million+ learners are empowered with digital and life skills. From our Digital Bus initiative reaching 83% of India’s districts to grassroots innovations in STEM and financial literacy, the workshop brought together CSR leaders, policymakers, and development partners.
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