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Cybersecurity

White-Collar Hiring Up 5% in July as AI Recruitment Jumps 33%: Naukri Report

/ Human Resource Community

India’s white-collar job market recorded a 5% year-on-year increase in hiring in July, driven by robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) talent and a rebound in information technology (IT) recruitment, according to the latest Naukri JobSpeak report. The JobSpeak Index rose to 3,227 in July from 3,074 during the same month last year, signalling a positive beginning to the second quarter of the current financial year. AI and machine learning (AI/ML) continued to be the fastest-growing hiring segment, registering a 33% annual rise in job opportunities. The report noted that AI-related hiring has maintained strong momentum for more than two years, making it the leading growth area in India’s white-collar employment landscape. The IT and software services sector also witnessed a recovery, with hiring increasing 6% compared to last year. The growth was primarily driven by Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. Within the sector, recruitment for AI-focused roles climbed 30%, while demand for IT and cybersecurity professionals rose by 23%. Among industries, the insurance sector recorded the highest hiring growth at 10%, followed by real estate with an 8% increase. Healthcare and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) also posted healthy recruitment activity. In contrast, hiring declined across telecom, banking and financial services (BFSI), pharmaceuticals, hospitality and education. Commenting on the trends, Hitesh Oberoi, Managing Director and CEO of Info Edge (India) Ltd, said the July data reflects a job market that is steadily strengthening, with employers continuing to invest in future-ready skills while expanding their workforce. Recruitment of fresh graduates remained strong, growing 6% year-on-year. Hiring also increased across most mid-level and senior-level experience categories, indicating broad-based demand across the employment market. Among major cities, Kolkata led hiring growth with a 17% increase, followed by Hyderabad at 16%, Chennai at 11% and Bengaluru at 8%. Hiring activity in Mumbai and Delhi remained largely unchanged during the month. The report also highlighted a 5% rise in recruitment by Global Capability Centres (GCCs), led by Chennai and Hyderabad, with continued strong demand for experienced AI professionals and premium AI roles. Source: IANS

White-Collar Hiring Up 5% in July as AI Recruitment Jumps 33%: Naukri Report Read More »

VTU Partners with Google to Boost AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity Skills for Engineering Students

/ Education Community

Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has signed a strategic academic partnership with Google LLC to equip engineering students across Karnataka with industry-focused skills, practical learning opportunities and enhanced career readiness. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Bengaluru by VTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vidyashankar and Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education India. Under the collaboration, students will receive training in high-demand domains such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data science and cybersecurity. The initiative will also focus on faculty development, helping educators strengthen their expertise while aligning academic programs with evolving industry expectations. Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Prof. Vidyashankar said VTU, which is affiliated with 220 engineering colleges and serves nearly 300,000 students, is committed to ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one. He noted that collaborations with leading technology companies will help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements. Sanjay Jain said Google aims to support both students and faculty through practical skill development and employment-oriented training. He added that the programme will introduce learning models aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and State Education Policy (SEP), enabling participants to use AI more effectively and prepare for future workplace demands. Alongside Google, VTU also announced partnerships with Qualcomm, Bharat Skills Institute Foundation and Simulation Enabled Experiential Learning (SEEL) to further strengthen technical education. Qualcomm, through its subsidiary Stem Lore Innovators LLP, will offer long-term training in AI, embedded systems, product prototyping and the Internet of Things (IoT), while also establishing a Centre of Excellence in Edge AI. The Bharat Skills Institute Foundation plans to develop a Centre of Excellence in phases with an investment of ₹20 crore, focusing on skill-based education and workforce development. Meanwhile, SEEL will introduce a cloud-based digital learning platform that enables students to perform laboratory exercises remotely. The platform will provide access to scientific and technical software, GATE preparation resources, previous years’ question papers, mock tests, AI-powered interview practice, more than 1,900 industry projects and internship opportunities, along with webinars, workshops and expert-led sessions for engineering and MBA students. Source: Indian Express  

VTU Partners with Google to Boost AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity Skills for Engineering Students Read More »

Coempt Edu Teck Rejects CBSE OSM Allegations, Says Scanning Errors Triggered Answer-Sheet Controversy

/ Education Community

Coempt Edu Teck, the Hyderabad-based firm facing scrutiny over the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) system controversy, has dismissed claims of technical glitches and security vulnerabilities, stating that recent issues were isolated operational errors rather than failures in its technology infrastructure. The company clarified that the incident involving a student allegedly receiving another candidate’s answer sheet was linked to a mistake during the physical scanning process, not due to any software malfunction. According to Coempt, internal verification confirmed that the system itself functioned without technological errors, and the individual responsible for the scanning process had been identified. Responding to complaints regarding blurred answer-sheet images and readability concerns, the company said these cases are being examined in coordination with relevant evaluation authorities. It also refuted allegations that procurement norms were altered to allow inferior hardware, asserting that it uses industry-standard scanners that are upgraded regularly and deliver high-quality scanning resolution. Coempt further stated that nearly 95 percent of students who applied for access to scanned answer sheets have already received them, with only limited operational bottlenecks affecting the remaining cases. Addressing cybersecurity concerns raised after a 19-year-old ethical hacker reportedly discovered vulnerabilities on the platform, the company said the accessed server was only a publicly available testing environment containing dummy data and had no connection to live production systems handling student records. It emphasized that no student data had been compromised and its operational infrastructure remains secure. The company also referenced the controversy surrounding the 2019 Telangana Intermediate Examination Controversy, noting that courts had reviewed the matter and that the Supreme Court of India had rejected petitions seeking mass re-evaluation, compensation, and criminal proceedings against the technology provider. Currently, Coempt provides examination management services, including digitisation, on-screen evaluation, AI-assisted assessment, and question-paper management, to over 35 universities and educational institutions across India. Source: Indian Express

Coempt Edu Teck Rejects CBSE OSM Allegations, Says Scanning Errors Triggered Answer-Sheet Controversy Read More »

CBSE Receives Nearly 44,000 Rechecking Requests Amid Ongoing Portal Issues

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recorded 43,980 applications for verification and re-evaluation of Class 12 answer sheets as of 12 noon on June 3, reflecting a surge in demand for post-result services. The total includes 4,924 requests for verification and 39,056 applications for re-evaluation. Despite the high number of successful submissions, students and parents continue to raise concerns over technical difficulties on the portal. Several complaints shared on social media platform X alleged delays in receiving scanned copies of evaluated answer books, a prerequisite for applying for verification and re-evaluation. Others reported missing options for certain subjects and questions, along with confusion surrounding compartment examination-related applications. In response, CBSE stated that its technical teams are actively monitoring the portal to ensure a secure, reliable, and student-friendly experience. The board also announced the integration of multiple payment gateways, including those of SBI, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Indian Bank. Students can make payments through UPI, net banking, debit cards, or credit cards without requiring accounts in these banks. According to CBSE, nearly 40,000 students had successfully completed their applications by 9:30 am on June 3. The latest figures mark a substantial increase from the previous evening, when the board reported over 28,000 successful submissions and nearly 14,000 concurrent users on the platform. To address user feedback, CBSE has introduced several enhancements, including extending session time limits to reduce automatic logouts during the application process. The verification and re-evaluation window remains open from June 2 to June 6 for Class 12 students who have obtained scanned copies of their answer books. Under the revised post-result framework, students can apply for verification at a fee of ₹100 per answer book and request re-evaluation at ₹25 per question. The board had postponed the portal launch to June 1 to facilitate a smoother and more transparent process. Since its launch, the system has faced heavy traffic and cyberattack attempts, prompting CBSE to strengthen technical safeguards while keeping services operational. Source: Indian Express

CBSE Receives Nearly 44,000 Rechecking Requests Amid Ongoing Portal Issues Read More »

CBSE Re-Evaluation Portal Faces Massive Cyberattack, Handles 1.5 Million Malicious Hits in Minutes

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) revealed that its Class 12 re-evaluation portal was targeted by multiple cyberattack attempts shortly after it was opened for students on Tuesday. Despite the attacks and intermittent technical issues reported by users, the board said the platform remained operational and continued processing applications. According to CBSE, the portal has been active since 4 a.m. and is currently accommodating over 8,000 users simultaneously. By 3 p.m., more than 16,000 students had successfully submitted requests for verification of marks and answer-sheet re-evaluation. The board disclosed that cybercriminals launched several disruptive attempts, including a denial-of-service (DoS) attack that generated nearly 1.5 million hits within just two minutes. In addition, over one lakh unauthorized file-access attempts were detected during the same period. CBSE stated that its technical teams effectively countered the attacks, ensuring that students could continue using the portal with minimal disruption. The board also introduced improvements based on student feedback, including extending session time limits to make the application process smoother and more user-friendly. Officials confirmed that monitoring efforts have been intensified, with cybersecurity teams remaining vigilant to protect the system and ensure uninterrupted access to post-result services. The re-evaluation portal enables Class 12 students to apply for mark verification and answer-sheet re-evaluation after obtaining copies of their evaluated scripts. The process has drawn significant attention this year amid increased scrutiny of the board’s assessment and post-result procedures. Source: Indian Express

CBSE Re-Evaluation Portal Faces Massive Cyberattack, Handles 1.5 Million Malicious Hits in Minutes Read More »

India Introduces AI Governance Guidelines to Ensure Safe and Responsible Adoption

/ Governance Community

The Indian government has unveiled its first set of Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance guidelines, outlining a framework for the safe, transparent, and ethical use of AI technologies. The non-binding rules, released on Wednesday, are expected to shape India’s long-term vision for AI regulation ahead of the IndiaAI Impact Summit scheduled for February next year. Developed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the guidelines recommend potential amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Act to better classify AI systems and define liability across the AI value chain. The document highlights that the current definition of “intermediary” under the IT Act — covering telecom operators, search engines, and even cyber cafés — is outdated in the context of autonomous AI systems capable of generating data independently. Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Sood noted that the new framework aims to provide clarity on responsibilities of AI developers and deployers, while also ensuring accountability. He added that the framework could serve as a model for AI governance in the Global South, especially for countries with limited regulatory resources. The guidelines also propose an India-specific AI risk assessment framework based on real-world harm evidence, along with a national database of AI incidents to track misuse, bias, and potential threats. This centralised repository will collect data from smaller regional databases managed by sectoral regulators, helping policymakers better understand the societal and security implications of AI technologies. The framework further recommends establishing new institutions to oversee AI policy, including an AI Governance Group—a permanent inter-ministerial body responsible for coordination and policy development—and leveraging the newly formed AI Safety Institute as the lead authority for ensuring safe and trusted AI use in India. Other key proposals include adopting regulatory sandboxes to allow innovation in controlled environments with limited legal exposure, and mandating accessible grievance redressal mechanisms through the existing Grievance Appellate Committee process. The guidelines also stress the need to update copyright laws to support large-scale AI model training and clarify digital platform classifications. MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan said the government is committed to acting when necessary to ensure AI is developed responsibly and ethically. The document, shaped after studying AI policies in the US, European Union, and China, and informed by over 2,500 submissions from stakeholders including academia, industry, and government bodies, marks a significant step in India’s effort to build a robust governance ecosystem for emerging technologies. Source: Economic Times

India Introduces AI Governance Guidelines to Ensure Safe and Responsible Adoption Read More »

PwC India Unveils Vision 2030, to Add 20,000 Jobs and Triple Revenue in Five Years

/ Human Resource Community

PwC India has announced an ambitious expansion plan under its Vision 2030, aiming to grow its workforce to 50,000 employees within the next five years by creating 20,000 new jobs. The consulting major is targeting a threefold increase in revenue, committing over 5% of annual revenues to technology, innovation, and capability building. The company will sharpen its focus on areas such as digital transformation, sustainability, risk and regulatory compliance, cloud, and cybersecurity, positioning itself to help clients navigate rapid market disruptions. Chairperson Sanjeev Krishan emphasised the firm’s goal of building a “future-ready workforce,” with investments in upskilling, women in leadership, and inclusive career growth from entry-level to the boardroom. PwC India will allocate 1% of its revenues to learning initiatives while expanding its presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to support decentralised economic growth and align with the government’s vision of self-reliant local economies. Recruitment will focus on sector-specific and digital expertise, with growth anchored in six priority sectors: financial services, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, automotive, technology, media, and telecom. Additionally, the company will explore emerging “horizon sectors” to secure an early strategic foothold. Source: PTI

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Majority of Indian Firms Lack AI Governance Amid Soaring Data Breach Costs: IBM Report

/ Governance Community

A new IBM study has revealed that a significant portion of Indian companies remain unprepared to tackle the cybersecurity challenges posed by rapid AI adoption. According to the Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025, nearly 60% of Indian organizations either do not have an AI governance policy in place or are still developing one, highlighting a concerning disconnect between the use of artificial intelligence and the implementation of necessary safeguards. The report underscores a growing vulnerability, as India records its highest-ever average cost of a data breach — ₹220 million in 2025, reflecting a 13% spike from ₹195 million the previous year. The increase is attributed largely to companies deploying AI tools without adequate risk management frameworks or access controls. IBM’s global analysis suggests this is not an isolated trend. While businesses worldwide are embracing AI technologies, security infrastructure is struggling to keep pace, creating fertile ground for cyberattacks on unmanaged AI systems. In India, the statistics are alarming: Only 37% of organizations have instituted AI-specific access controls. A mere 42% have mechanisms in place to detect or manage “shadow AI” — unauthorized AI tools used without IT oversight. Shadow AI has now emerged as one of the top three contributors to breach-related costs, adding an average of ₹17.9 million to each incident. However, a majority of organizations have yet to implement tools or protocols to monitor these hidden threats. When it comes to breach causes, phishing remains the leading culprit, responsible for 18% of incidents, followed by third-party and supply chain vulnerabilities (17%) and exploitation of known system flaws (13%). The research sector topped the chart with the highest average breach cost at ₹289 million, closely followed by transportation (₹288 million) and industrial sectors (₹264 million). Despite the clear advantages of using AI-powered cybersecurity solutions — which the report notes can cut breach-related costs by more than 50% — a staggering 73% of Indian organizations report minimal or no deployment of AI-driven security automation. The findings stress an urgent need for enterprises to not only accelerate their adoption of AI governance frameworks but also invest in AI-based defense mechanisms to reduce vulnerability and financial exposure in an increasingly digital world. Source: IBM

Majority of Indian Firms Lack AI Governance Amid Soaring Data Breach Costs: IBM Report Read More »

Cybersecurity in Education: Protecting Students in the Digital World

/ Article/Stories

As classrooms evolve from chalkboards to Chromebooks, the education sector is increasingly vulnerable to one of the most pressing threats of the 21st century—cyberattacks. With institutions rapidly adopting digital platforms for learning, administration, and communication, safeguarding the digital safety of students, teachers, and institutional data has become more crucial than ever. The Rise of Cyber Threats in Education Educational institutions are gold mines for cybercriminals. They store vast amounts of sensitive data—from student records and academic histories to biometric information and financial details. According to reports, the education sector is among the top five most targeted industries globally for cyberattacks. Common cyber threats include: Phishing Emails: Deceptive emails tricking students or staff into revealing personal information or login credentials.  Ransomware: Malicious software that locks data until a ransom is paid.  Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to student records and research data.  DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks that crash school websites or learning management systems.  Why Are Educational Institutions Targeted? Low Security Infrastructure: Many institutions, especially in developing countries, operate on outdated systems and lack dedicated IT teams.  Human Error: Students and faculty often lack training in identifying cyber threats, making them easy targets.  High-Value Data: Student identity information can be used for identity theft, while research data is valuable for industrial espionage.  Impact on Students and Learning Cybersecurity lapses in education don’t just compromise data—they disrupt learning and psychological well-being. For example: School closures due to ransomware attacks can lead to missed classes and exams.  Loss of personal data can lead to identity theft and long-term emotional distress.  Exposure to inappropriate or harmful online content through unsecured platforms can impact student safety and mental health.  Protective Measures for Institutions To build a digital fortress around education, institutions must adopt a multi-layered approach: 1. Invest in Cybersecurity Infrastructure Upgrade legacy systems and software regularly.  Use firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption protocols.  Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all user accounts.  2. Conduct Regular Training and Awareness Organize workshops for students, faculty, and staff on recognizing phishing, handling passwords, and reporting suspicious activity.  Encourage cyber hygiene practices such as not sharing credentials or clicking unknown links.  3. Secure Learning Management Systems (LMS) Opt for reputable and secure platforms.  Regularly audit permissions and user access levels.  4. Develop and Test Incident Response Plans Have a clear strategy for identifying, reporting, and recovering from cyber incidents.  Run simulation drills to ensure readiness.  5. Foster a Culture of Digital Responsibility Include digital citizenship and online safety in school curricula.  Promote ethical tech use and respect for privacy among students.  Role of Government and Policy Several governments are waking up to the urgency of cybersecurity in education: In India, initiatives like Cyber Surakshit Bharat and Digital India aim to promote safe digital practices.  The U.S. K-12 Cybersecurity Act provides funding and guidance to public schools for cybersecurity preparedness.  The European Union’s GDPR has raised awareness about data protection responsibilities in educational institutions.  Collaboration is Key Cybersecurity is not just the IT department’s job. It requires a collaborative effort between: School management to fund and prioritize digital safety.  Teachers and students to remain vigilant.  Parents to reinforce safe practices at home.  EdTech providers to build privacy-first platforms.  Looking Ahead: A Secure Digital Future for Learning Education is the cornerstone of progress—and its digital transformation must be safeguarded. As we embrace online learning, AI tools, and smart classrooms, cybersecurity can no longer be an afterthought. It’s time to put student safety at the heart of digital innovation. By integrating robust cybersecurity strategies, raising awareness, and encouraging a culture of digital responsibility, we can create safe, inclusive, and future-ready learning environments—where education flourishes without fear.  

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Google’s $32B Wiz Deal: A Catalyst for Cybersecurity & IPO Surge?

/ Human Resource Community

Google’s landmark $32 billion acquisition of Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz could mark a turning point for the sluggish IPO and M&A markets. The deal, announced Tuesday, is Google’s largest-ever acquisition and follows a previously failed $23 billion bid. While IPO activity has slowed since 2021, signs of a resurgence are emerging. SailPoint went public in February, CoreWeave has filed for a $2.7 billion IPO, and StubHub has also entered the IPO race. The Wiz acquisition could further fuel momentum in both mergers and public listings, particularly in cybersecurity—an industry primed for growth as companies ramp up protection against AI-driven cyber threats. Cybersecurity: The Hotspot for Investment As businesses migrate to the cloud and AI-powered hacking grows more sophisticated, cybersecurity remains a high-priority investment. Analysts from CB Insights rank it among the top acquisition targets for 2025. “For Google, the Wiz deal strengthens its cloud security capabilities,” said Merritt Maxim, VP at Forrester. “It could also pressure Amazon (AWS) to make a competing move—perhaps acquiring Aqua Security, Orca Security, or Sysdig.” Neil Barlow, a private equity M&A expert at Clifford Chance, highlighted cybersecurity’s resilience. “Cyberattacks can cripple entire businesses. This sector is not just an investment—it’s a necessity.” What’s Next for IPOs? While Wiz’s acquisition may delay IPO plans for some cybersecurity firms, experts predict a surge in the second half of 2025. Potential IPO candidates include Proofpoint, Illumio, Netskope, and Snyk—all major players in cloud and data security. Netskope, founded in 2012, is under growing pressure from early investors seeking liquidity, while Snyk, last valued at $7.4 billion, has hinted at a 2025 public debut. “The big question is whether companies will seize the moment or wait out market volatility,” said Brianne Lynch, head of market insight at EquityZen. With Google’s Wiz buyout shaking up the industry, the cybersecurity sector—and broader tech market—could be on the verge of a new investment boom. Source: CNBC

Google’s $32B Wiz Deal: A Catalyst for Cybersecurity & IPO Surge? Read More »