Rendezvous
In a significant stride towards enhancing Nepal's cybersecurity landscape, EC-Council, a global leader in cybersecurity education and training, has launched the Nepal Cybersecurity Scholarship Programme, worth Rs 50 million, pledging to up-skill 4,000 Nepali citizens. This ground breaking initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Kathmandu Metropolitan Council and facilitated by exclusive national partner for Nepal, GAP Technologies, seeks to address the pressing issue of the cybersecurity skills gap in the country. GAP Technologies is Kathmandu based startup focused on Cybersecurity and AI to fortify the nation. Nisarg Acharya, leader at EC-Council and a cybersecurity evangelist, shared with The Himalayan Times his insights about cybersecurity challenges, benefits of the programme and the expected outcomes. Excerpts:
Can you tell us about the recent initiative launched by EC-Council and GAP Technologies and the motivation behind it?
Certainly, EC-Council and GAP Technologies' recent launch of the Nepal Cybersecurity Scholarship Programme (NCSP) in collaboration with the Kathmandu Metropolitan Council signifies a significant stride towards bolstering Nepal's cybersecurity infrastructure.EC-Council in association with GAP Technologies are providing cybersecurity courses worth Rs 50 million for free to 4,000 Nepali citizens with seven fantastic course options. This collaborative effort aims to address the critical issue of the cybersecurity skills gap in the country.
The impetus behind this significant step lies in recognising the paramount importance of fostering a skilled cybersecurity workforce to counter the evolving landscape of cyber threats. In response, EC-Council and GAP Technologies have committed scholarships, not only as a means of individual empowerment but as a strategic investment in fortifying the nation's collective cybersecurity resilience.
How does the cybersecurity skills gap in Nepal compare to global concerns in the digital age?
The cybersecurity skills gap in Nepal echoes global concerns in the digital age. With technological advancements driving an unprecedented demand for cybersecurity professionals worldwide, the NCSP serves as a proactive response to this challenge. Its primary objective is to cultivate a highly trained cadre of individuals equipped to safeguard Nepal's digital assets.
Could you elaborate on the collaboration with the Kathmandu Metropolitan Council and the role of GAP Technologies, Nepal?
The collaboration with the Kathmandu Metropolitan Council underscores our commitment to working hand-in-hand with local authorities. This partnership harnesses the combined strengths of both entities to establish a robust and sustainable framework for cybersecurity education.
GAP Technologies, Nepal, our exclusive local partner, assumes a pivotal role in facilitating the successful implementation of the scholarship programme, ensuring its effective integration into the local context. GAP Technologies, will further promote and sell EC Council Learning (training and certifications), AWARE (Automated Phishing, Vishing and Smishing Platform), CYBERQ (Autonomous, Advanced True-to-Life cyber range platform) and EC-Council Global Services (consulting, advisory services and managed SOC).
What is the broader goal of the NCSP, and how does it go beyond traditional education?
The NCSP transcends traditional education; it is a holistic approach to capacity-building. By empowering 4,000 Nepali citizens with cutting-edge cybersecurity knowledge and skills, the programme aims not only to bridge the existing skills gap but also to contribute significantly to the nation's overall cyber resilience. It's about equipping individuals with the practical skills needed in the field, beyond theoretical knowledge.
How do you envision the beneficiaries of NCSP contributing to Nepal's cybersecurity landscape?
The beneficiaries of this programme are envisioned to become the frontline defenders of Nepal's digital assets. Their role extends beyond securing critical information; they will play a pivotal role in fortifying the entire cybersecurity landscape of the nation. As various sectors rapidly digitise, from government services to financial transactions, the need for a skilled cybersecurity workforce becomes increasingly paramount, and these beneficiaries will be at the forefront of meeting that need.
Moreover, the initiative of EC-Council and GAP Technologies aligns seamlessly with Nepal's broader vision for technological advancement and economic development. By cultivating a cybersecurity-conscious workforce, the programme not only addresses the immediate skills gap but also positions Nepal to harness the full potential of the digital revolution. This aligns with the nation's aspirations for technological growth, securing its digital infrastructure, and fostering economic development through a technologically skilled workforce.
What impact do you anticipate from the NCSP?
In conclusion, the NCSP stands as a testament to EC-Council and GAP Technologies' dedication to global cybersecurity education and its recognition of Nepal's unique challenges. As the programme unfolds, it holds the promise of not only transforming individuals into cyber guardians but also contributing to the holistic development of Nepal in the digital age by creating a resilient and skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the evolving cyber landscape. Interest Nepali citizens can apply for the scholarship at eccouncil.org/cybersecurity-scholarship-nepal.
