Kyndryl, MeitY launch cybersecurity training program for women

IT infrastructure services provider Kyndryl and the IT ministry have jointly launched a cybersecurity training program for women. Named the Cyber Rakshak program, this initiative is targeted at women from rural and remote areas. Kyndryl will be working with the Common Services Centres (CSC), under the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) to train 100,000 women over the course of three years.  

The training will be conducted in 500 districts in the country through the last mile network of CSC, a flagship program under the Digital India Initiative which provides assisted access to government and public utility services in rural and semi-urban areas. The coursework will help participants in addressing cybersecurity threats in their personal and professional work. Through the course, participants will be trained in fundamental cyber knowledge and taught about security threats that may impact their livelihoods. 

Upon completion of the training, the participants will be given joint certification from Kyndryl and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT). The individuals will be called Cybersecurity Ambassadors who will be guiding local internet users to navigate through complex threat landscapes. 

“This program with Kyndryl, which will establish local cybersecurity ambassadors who are continuously trained and supported, can be one of the most effective ways to address such challenges. It will create awareness and empower rural people to address emerging cybersecurity challenges,” said Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, managing director, CSC Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). 

"The Cyber Rakshak initiative is part of Kyndryl's commitment to India's broader socioeconomic development, particularly for financial inclusion and building diversity in India’s tech talent pool. These are also important technical skills women professionals can bring to high-value career opportunities,” said Lingraju Sawkar, President, Kyndryl India.