NIIT Foundation, in partnership with Cisco since 2022, has successfully trained over 10 lakh learners across 27 states and 5 union territories, with nearly 40% female participation. The program has empowered over 7,000 youth to start careers in cybersecurity and reached vulnerable groups including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, frontline workers, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Building on this success, the new Cyber Suraksha Plus initiative expands from basic cyber awareness to offer structured career pathways in system protection, ransomware defense, AI-driven security, and cloud protection. Designed to be multilingual and inclusive, it aims to train 27 lakh learners by 2028, addressing the talent gap in India’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

Harish Krishnan, Managing Director at Cisco India & ASEAN, emphasized that cybersecurity is vital for digital trust and global collaboration is essential for building skills aligned with international forums like the G20 and AI Impact Summit 2026.

NIIT Foundation CEO Sapna Moudgil highlighted the program’s goal to make digital safety a social equalizer, empowering youth and vulnerable populations, including senior citizens disproportionately affected by cyber threats.

According to the India Cyber Threat Report 2025 by DSCI, cybercrime surged to 22.68 lakh cases in 2024, with healthcare, hospitality, and banking sectors most targeted. The expanding internet user base surpassing 1 billion users intensifies the need for robust cybersecurity awareness and resilience.

Cyber Suraksha Plus reaffirms NIIT Foundation and Cisco’s commitment to expanding India’s cybersecurity workforce, supporting the vision of a digitally empowered and cyber-secure Bhara