As the cybersecurity industry experiences rapid growth, there is an increasing demand for skilled professionals to enhance organisational security
The Cyber for HER Hackathon, backed by the UK Government, aims to provide young women with better opportunities in cyberspace while supporting the development of the cyber workforce in India and beyond. The initiative is part of the India-UK Cyber Programme, designed to strengthen the cybersecurity partnership between the two nations, foster resilient supply chains, and create a safer digital environment for all.
As the cybersecurity industry experiences rapid growth, there is an increasing demand for skilled professionals to enhance organisational security. However, like many other countries, both India and the UK face a gender imbalance within their cyber workforces, coupled with significant skill gaps. To address these challenges, the hackathon seeks to encourage more women to explore careers in cybersecurity, promoting gender diversity and capacity building.
The event will unfold in two phases. The first phase, conducted virtually, will focus on creating non-technical cyber awareness assets. The second phase will be an in-person round held in Delhi, where participants will engage in a Capture the Flag-style competition. This round will involve solving technical challenges in areas such as Reverse Engineering, Mobile Security, Digital Forensics, Web Application Security, Cyber Exploitation, and Hardware Security. Participants can register individually or in teams of up to three. Registrations are now open on the DSCI website.
Dominic Gillan, India-UK Cyber Programme Manager at the British High Commission in New Delhi, highlighted the importance of fostering inclusivity in the cybersecurity sector. “The UK is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers young women to excel in the field of cyber security. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, resilience against escalating cyber threats and challenges requires a diverse workforce across all areas of the cyber security domain. This event underscores the urgent need for gender diversity in the industry, and we are excited to support initiatives that open doors to new opportunities and drive innovation through diverse perspectives,” he said.
Vinayak Godse, CEO of DSCI, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the need for a diverse and skilled workforce. “DSCI, through its various initiatives, has been striving to create a diverse and inclusive cyber security workforce. With rising cyber threats and the continuously evolving attack landscape, organisation security functions should be equipped with necessary technology capabilities and resources to remain safe. Cyber for HER is another step in this direction, and we feel proud to do our bit to promote women in cyber, acknowledging talent from tier II, tier III and small cities to create a difference.”
The Cyber for HER Hackathon marks a significant step in addressing both the gender gap and skill shortages in the cybersecurity field, offering participants a unique platform to develop skills, showcase talent, and explore career opportunities in the rapidly growing cyber sector.
