Singtel has launched a new Cyber Security Experience or CSX, an interactive cyber education portal for students and mid-career professionals aspiring to be cyber security professionals.
The CSX raises awareness of cyber-related careers by profiling real-life cyber security professionals and mentors from Singtel and its US-based managed security services subsidiary, Trustwave, as well as the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA).
Visitors to the portal can explore various career paths in cyber security and experience a day in the life of a cyber security professional through interactive, virtual cyber scenarios to understand the hard and soft skills needed for various roles.
Also, visitors can test their skills by taking part in cyber challenges that focus on basic cyber security terms, concepts and operational principles. Those who fare well will be invited to the Singtel Cyber Security Institute (CSI) to hone their skills in cyber war game sessions which will allow them to understand cyber attack and defense approaches. They will also meet cyber security professionals or mentors to learn more about their roles.
“The CSX initiative helps address the cyber security talent gap in Singapore by using an interactive platform to engage aspiring cyber security professionals of all ages,” Singtel CEO group enterprise Bill Chang said.
“This self-guided platform is designed to introduce them to various cyber security roles and kindle their interest in a career in this fast-growing field.”
The launch of CSX dovetails with the Singapore government’s strategic focus to develop cyber security capabilities in Singapore. The Committee on the Future Economy Report recommended that Singapore builds advanced cyber security capabilities to accelerate high-growth industries and core competencies that support the digitalization of other industries.
Frost and Sullivan forecasts the shortage of cyber security talents worldwide is expected to hit 1.5 million by 2020. The CSA expects the demand for cyber security professionals in Singapore to reach 9,700 by 2021.
Singtel has tied-up with all five local polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to make CSX available as an additional tool in their efforts to raise awareness of cyber security.
A series of trials of CSX were conducted with selected educational institutions. To-date, close to 1,000 students have participated in these trials. The CSX also helps teachers pick up the fundamentals of cyber security at no cost in a six-hour Cyber Teacher Program learning module.
First published in Enterprise Innovation