DSCI & Kyndryl jointly launches Cyber Sainik program to train 25,000 students
The Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and Kyndryl have launched a new initiative known as the Cyber Sainik program to provide cybersecurity training to 25,000 students across India over the next three years.
DSCI, is a non-profitable organization which is focused on data protection, has partnered with Kyndryl, the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, for this project.
The aim of this initiative is to protect themselves in the digital world, addressing the increasing number of cybersecurity incidents in the country.
According to the report, the incidents of Cybersecurity in India have been rising faster than the global average, with 1.3 million incidents reported annually between 2020 and 2022. This bulging threat underscores the importance of cybersecurity training, especially for younger generations who are increasingly exposed to digital spaces.
The Cyber Sainik program is tailored to act as a first line of defence against cyber threats such as cyberbullying and online exploitation. By training students from grades 6 to 12, the program aims to teach them how to report issues and protect their personal information.
This program will provide comprehensive training, covering skills, tools, and techniques necessary to thwart cyber threats on digital, online, and social media channels.
This will also assist the students to know about the best ways to protect their personal information. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a joint certification from Kyndryl and DSCI. The initiative aligns with Kyndryl’s Social Impact commitment to promote equitable access to education and improve cybersecurity awareness.
CEO of DSCI, Vinayak Godse, is very hopeful about this program’s holistic approach to teach about this global threat and emphasized saying, "DSCI has been at the forefront of building cybersecurity and privacy readiness in the country. With the launch of Cyber Sainik, we will also be tapping into the student community to make our efforts more holistic.”
The President of Kyndryl India, Lingraju Sawkar, mentioned, "Kyndryl is committed to upskilling India’s tech talent, especially in cybersecurity, by working with local support groups to ensure the digital safety of vulnerable sections of our society."
The launch of Cyber Sainik comes at a time when education and skilling are poised to take a larger role in driving India’s economic ambitions. With the advanced New Education Policy (NEP), the government aims to expand digital public infrastructure and accelerating AI adoption.
Cybersecurity training is seen as a critical component in achieving these objectives, ensuring that the future workforce is well-equipped to handle digital challenges. The first batch of Cyber Sainik program will start in July, marking a significant step towards enhancing cybersecurity education in India.
