Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services.

What are the most in-demand roles in cybersecurity today and how are companies addressing the talent shortage in this domain?

Today, high-demand roles in India’s cybersecurity landscape include Network Security Engineer, Cyber Security Manager, Cyber Security Architect, Cyber Security Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Cloud Security Engineer, Application Security Engineer, and Chief Information Security Officer. Despite a notable 14% increase in cybersecurity job postings from September 2023 to September 2024, organisations still grapple with a talent shortage. To bridge this gap, many companies are offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract talent. Flexible work hours and opportunities for upskilling have also proven effective for retaining skilled professionals and enhancing existing teams.

How has the rise of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 increased the demand for cybersecurity professionals in the manufacturing sector?

With Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing reshaping the landscape, Indian manufacturing now faces new cyber vulnerabilities. This sector contends with unique risks, including supply chain disruptions, intellectual property theft, and attacks targeting industrial control systems (ICS). As IoT and AI technologies become integral to manufacturing, they simultaneously open potential entry points for cyber threats, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Consequently, there is an accelerated demand for cybersecurity experts to secure these sophisticated operations and safeguard sensitive data.
What specific skills related to cybersecurity tools are manufacturing employers prioritising when hiring new talent?

As companies refine their digital security strategies, certain skills have emerged as essential. In India, manufacturing employers are particularly seeking professionals with strengths in communication, information security, and firewall management, as well as proficiency in cloud platforms such as Azure and AWS.

With the increasing use of IoT devices on factory floors, what specific cybersecurity roles and skills are manufacturers prioritising?

With IoT devices transforming manufacturing floors, roles like IoT Security Specialist and Cybersecurity Analyst are now top priority. Manufacturers want professionals skilled in network security, data encryption, and real-time threat monitoring to protect the connected devices that streamline operations but also increase risk. Familiarity with specialised IoT security protocols and experience with endpoint management tools is highly valued.

How will the increasing adoption of AI-driven automation in manufacturing influence future cybersecurity hiring and the skills required?

AI-driven automation is reshaping cybersecurity hiring. Roles like AI Security Engineer and Threat Intelligence Analyst are gaining traction as companies look for talent to secure machine learning systems and detect AI-specific threats to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Skills in data encryption, secure machine communication, and AI algorithm monitoring are becoming essential as more manufacturers adopt these technologies to boost productivity without compromising security. 

What emerging technologies (e.g., quantum computing, AI-driven security) are likely to reshape the cybersecurity landscape, and how will these impact skill set requirements in the next 5-10 years?

Quantum computing and AI-driven security are set to redefine cybersecurity in the next decade. Quantum-safe cryptography is emerging as a skill in demand as quantum advancements challenge traditional encryption. AI-driven security tools will require experts who can validate AI models and analyse threat patterns quickly. These shifts mean cybersecurity professionals need to be versed in cutting-edge cryptography and AI-based risk management to stay ahead. 

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