Microsoft, DSCI aims to increase participation of women in cyber security

Software major Microsoft and Data Security Council of India (DSCI) on Monday launched a programme to train 1,000 women in cyber security for free over a period of next three years.

Under the program 'CyberShikshaa', 1,000 science and engineering graduate women between the age group of 20-27 belonging to a family with annual household income below Rs 5 lakh will be trained in cybersecurity.

"As India leapfrogs into the next phase of growth, we see a multi-fold growth of digital assets. This increases the need for an enhanced cybersecurity infrastructure and advanced security solutions. This will lead to the next wave of jobs," Microsoft India President Anant Maheshwari said.

The first phase of the programme will be rolled out across Noida, Patna, Hyderabad, and Mohali starting Monday.

The CyberShikshaa curriculum will comprise an interactive, 4-month training course with a combination of theory, case studies and practical hands-on projects managed by a group of training partners led by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), a company official said.

It will also include mentoring sessions and workshops with industry leaders, soft skills training and technical sessions by Microsoft employee volunteers. Campus interviews will be organized for students on successful completion of the course.