CERT-In and ISAC Partner to Train India’s Next Cybersecurity Leaders
The partnership aims to create a dedicated pool of cybersecurity professionals equipped with technical expertise and leadership skills to defend India’s digital infrastructure.
New Delhi: In a significant move to bolster India’s cybersecurity infrastructure, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a statutory body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) have teamed up to issue joint certifications for the sixth cohort of the National Cyber Security Scholar Program (NCSSP). This collaboration aims to create a dedicated pool of cybersecurity professionals equipped to tackle complex digital threats and defend India’s critical digital infrastructure.
CERT-In, designated as India’s national agency for responding to cybersecurity incidents under the Information Technology Act, 2000, plays a crucial role in the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem. Operating 24/7, CERT-In provides incident prevention, response services, and security quality management, making it a key player in this initiative.
The NCSSP, regarded as one of the world’s leading cybersecurity management programs, is designed to produce credible and ethical cybersecurity leaders who prioritize national security in their professional endeavors. Rajshekhar Pullabhatla, Founder Director of ISAC, praised the program’s growing impact. “The National Cyber Security Scholar Program is becoming a cornerstone of India’s cybersecurity framework. CERT-In’s leadership ensures that participants are trained to meet the highest standards of technical, managerial, and ethical excellence, preparing them to protect the nation’s critical digital assets,” he said.
Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, further emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership brings together two leading institutions committed to strengthening India’s cybersecurity capabilities. Scholars from the National Security Database (NSD), many of whom now play pivotal roles in national cybersecurity, embody the vital importance of nurturing leaders who possess both technical expertise and a deep sense of responsibility.”
The NCSSP curriculum covers 12 domains, offering cutting-edge training in areas such as AI and Machine Learning in cybersecurity, Space Cybersecurity, and real-world gaming simulations that prepare participants for real-life cybersecurity challenges. Additionally, participants engage in a unique off-grid living experience to develop leadership and teamwork skills, while the Phygital Cyber Range provides hands-on training to deal with cyber-physical attacks on smart city infrastructures.
Group Captain Aanand Naidu Pola (Retd.), Executive Director of ISAC, underlined the importance of this initiative in producing skilled professionals ready to address emerging cyber threats. “The NCSSP is generating a dependable pool of cybersecurity leaders. This collaboration with CERT-In reflects our commitment to equipping professionals with the expertise required to protect India’s expanding digital infrastructure,” he remarked.
As cyber threats continue to grow in complexity, the NCSSP is building a focused cadre of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and cybersecurity leaders across government agencies, public sector units, banks, and corporate entities. These leaders are trained to safeguard India’s digital future with the knowledge, skills, and integrity necessary to protect the nation from evolving cyber risks.
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