By Rajesh Chhabra, General Manager, India & South Asia, Acronis
India’s digital landscape is expanding rapidly with increased cloud computing adoption, growing internet penetration, and rising cyber threats. However, this growth has exposed a critical issue—the widening cybersecurity skills gap. Studies estimate a global shortage of around 4 million cybersecurity experts, with India alone needing over 1.5 million professionals to bridge the gap. This shortfall puts businesses, critical infrastructure, and national security at heightened risk of cyberattacks.
The latest Acronis Cyberthreats Report underscores this growing urgency, revealing a 197% increase in email-based attacks in H2 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with a 21% rise in attacks per organization. The alarming rise of AI-generated cyber threats and the increasing sophistication of ransomware campaigns further highlight the need for advanced security solutions and skilled professionals.
To address these challenges, organizations are increasingly leveraging next-generation solutions, including automation, AI-driven security technologies, and reskilling programs, to build a robust cybersecurity talent pipeline.
The Talent Shortage: More Than Just Numbers
The cybersecurity skills gap isn’t just about the number of professionals—it’s about their readiness to tackle real-world threats. The demand is for specialists who can detect, analyze, and mitigate cyber risks through a combination of advanced technology integration and continuous education.
Despite India’s prominence as a global IT hub, cybersecurity remains an underserved sector with relatively few qualified professionals. One of the primary reasons for this gap is the limited focus on cybersecurity in traditional IT education, where students often graduate without exposure to real-world security challenges. Additionally, the rapid evolution of cyber threats continues to outpace existing training programs, making it difficult for professionals to stay updated. Many new graduates also lack hands-on experience, leaving them unprepared to tackle sophisticated cyberattacks upon entering the workforce. As a result, businesses struggle to find cybersecurity talent with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, further widening the gap in the industry.
Key Challenges
One of the biggest obstacles is the perception of cybersecurity as an “add-on” skill rather than a core competency. As a result, many graduates enter the workforce without the practical expertise needed to combat sophisticated cyber threats.
Companies worldwide are struggling to fill cybersecurity roles faster than attackers evolve, making AI and automation essential for real-time threat response. The Acronis Cyberthreats Report highlights the growing risks associated with ransomware, phishing, and AI-powered cyberattacks—areas where organizations must focus security efforts.
AI, Automation & Next-Gen Security Solutions
With cybercriminals increasingly deploying AI-driven attacks, businesses must integrate AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to stay ahead. AI-based algorithms can analyze vast amounts of security data, detect anomalies, and automate responses—minimizing human workload while strengthening defense mechanisms.
Routine tasks like log monitoring, threat detection, and initial attack response can be automated using AI, freeing cybersecurity professionals to focus on complex risk analysis and long-term security strategies.
Another critical solution is Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms, which streamline security processes and enhance cybersecurity response times. Given the global shortage of skilled personnel, automation is not optional—it is a necessity. The Acronis Cyberthreats Report shows that ransomware groups are increasingly targeting managed service providers (MSPs), making proactive security measures more important than ever.
Skilling & Reskilling: Closing the Gap
While technology plays a crucial role in cybersecurity, reskilling and upskilling professionals are equally essential for long-term sustainability. Industry-driven certification programs such as CISSP, CEH, and CompTIA Security+ are helping address the cybersecurity talent gap, alongside government-led initiatives like NASSCOM’s Cybersecurity Skill Initiative, which aims to train one million professionals by 2025.
The latest Acronis Cyberthreats Report also warns that the increasing adoption of remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools could introduce security vulnerabilities if not properly managed. Cybercriminals are exploiting blind spots in multi-tool environments, reinforcing the need for continuous learning, updated training programs, and real-world cyber simulations.
Urgent Need for Cybersecurity Experts
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is surging across industries such as banking, healthcare, retail, and critical infrastructure. While businesses invest heavily in digital security, they face challenges in recruiting skilled professionals to keep up with evolving threats.
Cybersecurity training programs are increasingly incorporating hands-on learning, including ethical hacking labs, red teaming exercises, and real-world attack simulations. Continuous learning and professional development will be crucial as organizations prepare for more sophisticated cyber threats.
A Path Forward
With AI-driven cyber threats, ransomware attacks, and phishing campaigns on the rise, businesses must integrate automation, AI-powered security tools, and continuous education to combat evolving risks. Acronis is playing a critical role in supporting India’s digital transformation, providing tailored cybersecurity solutions that enhance data protection, operational efficiency, and resilience against cyber threats.
By prioritizing education, innovation, and collaboration with government and industry partners, India can develop a strong cybersecurity talent pipeline and safeguard its digital future.