In today’s digital age, the internet is an essential part of students’ lives, offering great opportunities for learning and connection. However, with these opportunities come great risks, including the threat of cybercrime. Raising awareness about cybercrime in schools is essential to equipping students with the knowledge and tools to safely navigate the online world.
By educating young people about the dangers and preventative measures of cyber threats, schools can foster a safer and more informed digital environment. Arun Rao, Chief Human Resource Officer, Birlasoft (e-Vidya Skilling Programme), spoke to indiatoday.in about why it is important to create awareness about cybercrimes in schools.
How can cybersecurity education be effectively integrated into school curriculum without placing a burden on students?
Given the integral role of technology in education, equipping students with cybersecurity knowledge is crucial. Cybersecurity can be embedded into existing subjects as age-appropriate, interactive lessons so that it doesn’t overwhelm students. Key concepts such as creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing attacks, and protecting digital identities can be introduced gradually.
Topics like privacy, cyberbullying and identity theft should be taught through simplified and engaging activities. Moreover, the subject of cyberstalking should be openly discussed and teachers should also be provided with proper training to identify changes in student behavior and guide them accordingly.
Initiatives like Birlasoft’s Cyber ​​Safe Program can spark curiosity and safe exploration of the topic of cybersecurity. Schools play a key role in equipping students to safely navigate the digital world and effectively recognize and respond to online threats. Instilling cybersecurity education at an early stage can also address the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals and nurture the next generation of skilled professionals.
From your perspective, what role should parents, educators and policymakers play in fostering a cyber-safe environment in schools?
Parents, educators and policymakers need to work in unison to promote a cyber-safe environment in schools. Parents need to educate themselves about cyber threats, supervise their children’s online activities and model safe online behavior. Educators need to incorporate cybersecurity into their curricula, undergo regular training and use interactive teaching methods to engage students. Policymakers need to develop and update cybersecurity education policies, allocate resources and conduct public awareness campaigns. By working together, we can protect students from online threats and empower them to safely navigate the digital world.
What motivated Birlasoft to launch the e-Vidya skilling programme? What curriculum and training modules does the programme offer to enable beneficiaries to get jobs quickly?
We believe that bridging the digital gender gap can empower women with jobs, skills and learning opportunities, thus galvanising their participation in various sectors.e-Vidya, one of Birlasoft’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, promotes digital literacy among women from the underprivileged sections of society.
The e-Vidya skilling program has been meticulously crafted with a comprehensive curriculum and training modules to prepare young women for the job market. The program’s cohort targets final-semester students of B-Tech, BCA and BSC programs, as well as unemployed women from underserved communities, equipping them with skills to be employable in the future. The curriculum includes in-demand skills like Java, data analytics, Python programming, and also soft skills training to bridge the existing skill gap in the IT/ITES industry.
The training will last for 180 hours and will combine offline and online methods, with students undergoing regular assessments to track their progress. The programme also includes a three-phase interview preparation strategy that includes preparation, mechanical testing, logical and reasoning test practice. In addition, soft skills training and pre-placement workshops will be conducted to boost confidence. Through the programme implemented by nasscom foundation in 2023-2024, over 170 students have been trained and certified, with 50% securing employment opportunities. Birlasoft will regularly update its e-Vidya skilling programmes to ensure that beneficiaries receive the most relevant and useful interventions.
Tell us your thoughts about the Cyber ​​Safety Awareness Programme you are running in collaboration with Nasscom Foundation.
The Cyber ​​Safe Programme was launched as a pilot project in selected schools in Delhi NCR with the aim of creating awareness on cyber security among key stakeholders in the education ecosystem including students, teachers, parents etc. The Cyber ​​Safe Programme has created awareness on cyber security threats such as cyberbullying by imparting a total of over 6,000 hours of training to over 1,800 students and over 500 parents and teachers.
This initiative, in collaboration with Nasscom Foundation, provided students, teachers and parents with cybersecurity training and the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe in the digital environment. In doing so, the program aimed to lay the foundation for broader implementation of cybersecurity education across primary and secondary schools in India. The initiative was envisioned as a blueprint for future efforts in this area.
What strategies and initiatives has Birlasoft implemented to address the gender gap in the technology sector?
Diversity and inclusion are core pillars of Birlasoft’s organizational philosophy. Our recent campus hiring embodies this dedication, with over 90% candidates from diverse backgrounds, significantly strengthening our overall diversity profile. To strengthen this commitment, Birlasoft has undertaken various initiatives such as facilitating internal referrals of candidates from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, we are actively running diversity hiring campaigns and collaborating with diversity-focused media platforms such as Herkey to strengthen our efforts.
What are the long-term goals and vision for Birlasoft’s CSR initiatives, especially in the areas of education and cyber security?
Birlasoft is steadfast in its commitment to women and child development and approaches education from a holistic perspective. We recognise the importance of hands-on learning, soft skill development and practical training and closely tailor our projects to highlight these aspects. Beyond financial support, we actively facilitate interaction between beneficiaries and the Birlasoft team and encourage ongoing project evaluation and mentoring from our leadership.
Cybersecurity has become a top priority in today’s world. Birlasoft aims to broaden the scope of its CyberSafe program and make its benefits available to a wider range of beneficiaries. As part of this effort, we plan to enrich the project framework by offering specialization courses in Cybersecurity and Information Security for researchers. Through these efforts, we aim to create a safer digital environment for all.
Do you think the IT industry can address unconscious bias in recruitment and retention to create a more inclusive environment?
To address unconscious bias, the IT industry needs a multifaceted approach that includes recruiting, promotion, and decision-making processes. Blind recruiting/anonymous hiring practices that conceal personal information such as name, gender, and ethnicity from hiring managers can help promote meritocratic hiring. Additionally, diverse hiring committees and mentorship programs can provide underrepresented groups with a better opportunity to succeed within an organization. Fostering an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and able to share their unique perspectives is essential in addressing unconscious bias.
We prioritize awareness and addressing unconscious bias through extensive training programs for employees and vendor partners. These programs help individuals recognize and mitigate bias. Our comprehensive HR processes ensure transparency and objectivity in hiring, promotions, and compensation reviews to promote fairness and equity. Additionally, we organize platforms such as “Rendezvous with Verve”, where senior leaders openly discuss nuances and issues of DE&I and collaborate on solutions. These sessions foster open dialogue and contribute to building a more inclusive culture across the organization.