TeamLease Digital, in its its latest research study titled “Cybersecurity: Securing India’s Digital Frontier” has said that as of May 2023, the industry had approximately 40,000 open opportunities, indicating the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. However, the demand-supply gap stood at 30%, projecting a major skill challenge in the industry.
The research study also reveals that global weekly cyber-attacks have increased by 7% to surpass 1,200 attacks per week, while Indian organizations experienced over 2,000 weekly attacks in Q1 2023, marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year. The healthcare industry was a prime target, with 7.7% of attacks directed towards it.
According to the research study, the cybersecurity market share is projected to reach $3.5 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.05% by 2027.
Sharing his views, Sunil Chemmankotil, Chief Executive Officer, TeamLease Digital, said “The prevalence of malware attacks, social engineering tactics, and other sophisticated cyber threats demands a comprehensive approach to safeguarding our digital frontiers. By staying vigilant and resilient against emerging challenges such as AI-based attacks, IoT vulnerabilities, and metaverse cyber threats, we can fortify our digital landscape and pave the way for a secure and prosperous digital transformation. There were 40,000 jobs available as of May 2023, but the skill gap remains. There is an urgent need for upskilling the workforce and hiring qualified professionals.”
To effectively combat evolving cyber threats, the research study emphasizes the importance of upskilling the workforce with a broader range of cybersecurity skills. Specializations in areas such as data privacy, cloud security, AI security, and network security are in high demand. Soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and collaboration are also essential in this field. The top job roles identified in the research study includes IT auditor, Information Security analyst, Network/IT Security Engineer/Specialist, Security Testing/Penetration Tester, and Computer Forensics analyst, with a base pay ranging from 3 to 6 lakhs for 0-3 years of experience. Moreover, senior and mid-level professionals with over 12 years of experience have the potential to earn an annual salary within the range of 50-80 Lakhs.
