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.”