The Harsh Reality of the Current Cybersecurity EdTech Industry in India

The cybersecurity education and training landscape in India has grown significantly in recent years. However, with this growth comes several challenges and concerns that highlight the harsh reality of the industry. Many individuals and organizations have entered the field without adequate knowledge or expertise, leading to questionable practices and outcomes. Let’s dive deeper into these issues.

1. Anyone Can Start a Company

Today, it has become alarmingly easy for individuals to start a cybersecurity company,

regardless of their actual knowledge or experience in the field. While entrepreneurship

is commendable, the lack of understanding in both business operations and cybersecurity

has resulted in a proliferation of poorly managed ventures. These companies often:

  • Register under MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) without a clear business strategy.

  • Watch a few videos on YouTube, gain superficial knowledge, and declare themselves cybersecurity experts.

  • Focus more on flashy marketing rather than delivering quality training or services.

  • Fail to understand the fundamentals of running a company, including operational processes, financial management, or delivering value to students and clients.

Before engaging with any company, students are advised to check its registration details on the MCA Portal. This ensures transparency and credibility.

2. Misguiding Students

A significant concern is the way some companies misguide students:

  • Focus on Hype Topics: Many focus solely on superficial topics like Android hacking or social media hacking, creating an illusion of expertise. This approach traps beginners, who are drawn in by flashy demonstrations without understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity.

  • Lack of Comprehensive Training: Instead of providing in-depth knowledge about essential topics like network security, penetration testing, or secure coding, these companies offer surface-level information that leaves students ill-prepared for real-world challenges.

  • Exorbitant Fees for Basic Courses: Some institutes charge lakhs of rupees for basic-level courses, exploiting students’ lack of awareness about the actual value of such programs.

3. The Fake Bounty Dream

Another rampant issue is the false promises of success in bug bounty hunting. Some institutes:

  • Show fake bug bounty certificates or exaggerated claims to lure students.

  • Paint unrealistic dreams of instant success in cybersecurity, leading to disillusionment when students face actual industry demands.

  • Charge exorbitant fees for training programs that lack credibility or practical value.

4. Social Media Scams and Misrepresentation

With the rise of social media, many individuals portray themselves as cybersecurity mentors or experts based solely on follower counts. These individuals:

  • Often lack the technical expertise required to guide students effectively.

  • Exploit their social media reach to scam students or sell subpar courses.

  • Mislead students into believing that a large following equates to knowledge or industry credibility.

5. The Absence of Practical Knowledge

Many so-called mentors and companies fail to emphasize practical knowledge and hands-on experience. They focus on theoretical or outdated material, leaving students unprepared for the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

6. Impact on Students

The students are the biggest victims of these practices. They:

  • Invest their time and money into training programs that do not deliver value.

  • End up with a skewed understanding of the field, often limited to hacking tricks rather than comprehensive security practices.

  • Struggle to find legitimate opportunities in the industry due to inadequate training.

A Request to Students

Students are urged to think carefully before taking admission into any cybersecurity training program. Research the institute, evaluate its credibility, and ensure it provides value for the fees charged. Do not fall for flashy advertisements or unrealistic promises. Your time, money, and future are at stake.

How to Stay Safe and Make the Right Choices

If you are looking to enter the field of cybersecurity, here are some tips to avoid falling into these traps:

  1. Research the Company/Institute: Verify their credentials, reviews, and track record before enrolling in any program.

  2. Check the MCA Portal: Use the MCA Portal to search for the company’s registration details and confirm its legitimacy.

  3. Focus on Fundamentals: Choose programs that cover essential topics like networking, system security, and real-world penetration testing.

  4. Look for Practical Training: Ensure that the training includes hands-on labs and scenarios that mirror actual industry challenges.

  5. Be Wary of Unrealistic Promises: Avoid programs that guarantee instant success or make exaggerated claims about bug bounties and hacking skills.

  6. Seek Mentors with Proven Expertise: Check the background and experience of any mentor or trainer before following them.

Conclusion

The cybersecurity EdTech industry in India has immense potential, but it is plagued by unqualified individuals and organizations that prioritize profit over quality. As students and aspiring professionals, it is crucial to make informed decisions and prioritize learning from credible sources. By being cautious and discerning, you can build a solid foundation in cybersecurity and achieve genuine success in the field.