By 2025, India is set to have 1,900 Global Capability Centres (GCCs), making it a $60 billion market. These centers are gearing up to be hotspots for cyber leadership, resilience, and innovation and are expanding into cybersecurity services.
The pandemic really pushed the focus onto cybersecurity, which fits right into the GCCs’ journey of change. Handling cybersecurity from these centers is catching on fast because of cost savings and a bunch of skilled talent.
With global threats changing and everything going digital faster than ever, this blog explores why cybersecurity is becoming a big deal for India’s GCCs, what’s trending, what threats are lurking, and how to keep data safe.
Understanding the Relevance of Cybersecurity for GCCs in India
I am certain that the GCCs will play a critical role in enabling organizations to move from their ‘Now’ to their ‘Next’ and empowering every individual along the way in the journey for a cyber-powered future. — Gaurav Shukla, Partner, Deloitte India
Supporting Digital Transformation
GCCs craft strategies and show the way to embed cybersecurity into big projects. This hands-on approach ensures smooth and secure transitions into the digital world right from the start, tackling risks head-on.
Addressing Advanced Technology Risks
As techs like IoT, cloud computing, and edge computing become more common, GCCs are stepping up their cybersecurity game to handle the risks associated with it. They’re tackling threats in tricky setups, like manufacturing places with Industrial Control Systems (ICS), SCADA, and Operational Technology (OT), making sure digital factories stay safe and sound.
Leading Cybersecurity Reviews and Compliance
GCCs are moving beyond managing to take the lead in cybersecurity reviews, assessments, and compliance aspects. They’re using smart automation and standardizing processes to ensure they handle cybersecurity standards and follow regulations more efficiently and effectively.
Enhancing Threat Detection and Response
GCCs are stepping up their game in spotting and tackling cyber threats using platforms, automation, and brainy solutions. They’re really digging into Identity and Access Management and Zero Trust Architecture to build solid defenses against any cyber trouble that comes their way.
Innovating Cybersecurity Solutions
GCCs are leading the charge in crafting super advanced cybersecurity solutions. Whether it’s their own brainpower or teaming up with others in the tech world, they’re always creating new ways to fight off cyber threats. It’s all about making sure they’re ready to tackle any cyber trouble that comes their way.
Developing a Cyber-Skilled Workforce
GCCs are stepping up big time to train a bunch of cyber-smart folks. Going beyond their own goals, it’s about adding up India’s talent pool with top-notch cybersecurity skills. This move is gearing you up to compete globally with a reliable cybersecurity workforce.
Factors Driving the Rise of GCCs in India as Cybersecurity Nodes
The boom of GCCs in India as cybersecurity hubs is all thanks to government backing, cost savings, top-notch infrastructure, and a talented workforce. Together, these factors make India a prime spot for cybersecurity operations and cutting-edge ideas.
Government Policies Promoting Cybersecurity
India has implemented rules for data protection and cybersecurity, which makes it super attractive for GCCs. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act of 2023 lays down some tough standards for keeping data safe and secure.
Then there’s the National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF), which spells out who’s responsible for what in cybersecurity and suggests that companies should spend at least 10% of their IT budget on it.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), along with tech firms, is working hard to train government officials in cybersecurity. This teamwork is seriously boosting India’s cybersecurity game.
Cost Efficiency
Labour costs in India are way lower than in developed countries, plus the exchange rates work in your favor. On top of that, the government throws in some incentives. All these perks add up to making India a wallet-friendly choice for companies aiming to get more benefits for their money in cybersecurity.
With these savings, businesses can pump more money into their cybersecurity systems and push the boundaries of innovation.
Enhanced Infrastructure
Places like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune are famous for their top-notch tech parks and infrastructure. These cities offer the perfect setting for GCCs to set up secure data centres, testing labs, and innovation hubs focused on cybersecurity research and development.
The advanced infrastructure helps GCCs expand their cybersecurity capabilities smoothly and keep growing.
Availability of Talent
India has tons of super-skilled cybersecurity people, thanks to a powerful education system that hones in on STEM subjects. The gap between supply and demand for tech talent here is one of the smallest worldwide, around 25–27%.
With this wealth of talent, GCCs can assemble top-notch cybersecurity teams that handle tricky, ever-changing threats. Using this talent pool, GCCs in India are set up nicely to craft and put into action super-advanced cybersecurity plans and fixes.
Latest Trends in Cybersecurity Measures
GCCs in India are becoming extremely important in cybersecurity. A recent report from NASSCOM, DSCI, and KPMG revealed that around 70% of global companies’ captive centres here have significantly improved their cybersecurity teams.
This shows how India is becoming a major player in global cybersecurity, with more skills needed, new tech being adopted, and loads of investments in talent and innovations happening.
Increasing Demand for Cyber Skills
According to the ‘Secure in India 2023′ report, cloud security is booming with an 81% spike in demand. Cybersecurity risk assessments and managing tech regulations are also hot topics, seeing a 75% rise.
Plus, there’s been a 69% increase in demand for secure development skills. It looks like cyber threats are getting more complex, and these stats show how GCCs are stepping up their defenses across different areas.
Rising Cost of Cybercrime
The global cost of cybercrime is expected to shoot up from $9.22 trillion in 2024 to $13.82 trillion by 2028. India, despite facing around 13.7% of all cyberattacks worldwide, is stepping up as a major player in cybersecurity.
The country’s tech scene is booming, with many innovative startups and a highly skilled talent pool. This makes India crucial in the fight against cybercrime globally.
Adoption of New Technologies
GCCs are really getting into the tech game with artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, machine learning (ML), and blockchain to improve their cybersecurity. Some of them have even set up AI centres of excellence to create and roll out AI-powered solutions. It’s all about boosting security, sparking innovation, and making sure their defenses are top-notch.
Innovation Hubs and Knowledge Exchange
In India, GCCs are stepping up as hotbeds of innovation, pushing forward cybersecurity advancements for their parent companies. They’re teaming up with R&D crews, universities, and industry networks to swap ideas and stay ahead in tech innovation and cybersecurity trends.
This collaborative approach puts GCCs right at the forefront of leading the charge in cybersecurity.
Upskilling and Talent Development
Investment in upskilling and talent development is a priority for GCCs. They offer comprehensive cybersecurity training programs, certifications, and internship opportunities in collaboration with industry partners and academia. These initiatives aim to groom the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, ensuring a continuous supply of skilled talent.
Expanding Service Offerings
Did you know that about 28% of companies worldwide have more than half of their cybersecurity teams right here in India? And for 17% of them, over 75% of their teams are based here!
These GCCs offer security analytics and compliance management in addition to the usual threat detection and incident response. This shows how much the world is counting on India for cybersecurity solutions these days.
Potential Threats
Indian GCCs have a tough job shielding their networks and data from cyber threats these days. They need a sharp and skilled cybersecurity team. With tech changing fast, they should think about security in new areas like 5G, AI, machine learning, NFTs, the metaverse, cryptocurrency rules, blockchain, IoT, drones, VR, AR, robotics, automation, and 3D printing.
Several specific threats highlight these challenges:
AI-Driven Attacks
Cybercriminals nowadays use AI to create threats that can learn and adapt to whatever defenses are thrown at them. This makes our usual security measures less effective.
These AI-driven attacks can automatically find weaknesses, launch more sophisticated phishing scams, and even create malware that changes to stay hidden from detection. This whole trend really highlights why GCCs need to step up their game with advanced AI-powered defense systems.
Ransomware Evolution
Ransomware attacks are getting worse. Cybercriminals are now targeting large companies and vital infrastructure. Beyond locking up your data, they threaten to spill sensitive information unless they get paid.
To deal with these attacks, GCCs need strong backup and disaster recovery plans. They also need to improve their detection and response strategies. That’s the only way to soften the blow when these incidents hit.
IoT Vulnerabilities
IoT devices are everywhere now. But they come with their own set of security headaches. Many of these gadgets don’t have great built-in security, which makes them easy targets for hackers. Once a hacker gets into one of these IoT gadgets, they can use it to access the bigger network.
Moreover, there are so many types of IoT devices out there, all with different security setups. It’s tough to keep them all safe and sound. So, GCCs need to buckle down and focus on locking down these IoT systems.
- Tight access controls are a must, making sure only the right people can get into them.
- Regular updates to the device software (that’s firmware) are crucial, too; you need to keep those defenses up to date.
- If something looks fishy, catch it quickly before it turns into a big problem.
Emerging Technology Risks
When you talk about jumping on board with 5G, blockchain, and VR/AR, these technologies promise to turbocharge productivity and spark innovation. But they also come with their fair share of risks:
- 5G is blazing fast, but that speed boost can also increase the volume of cyberattacks, potentially making them bigger and messier.
- Blockchain has a decentralized setup that cuts out the middleman, but it can be a real headache when it comes to keeping security tight.
- VR/AR are transforming business processes, but if you don’t secure them, sensitive data could float around.
Best Practices for Safeguarding Sensitive Data
1. Zero Trust Architecture
Zero Trust is a model in which you don’t trust anyone or any device automatically. Every user and every device has to prove themselves every time they try to access something, whether they’re inside or outside the company. This way, you can minimize the chances of someone sneaking in where they shouldn’t be and keep our sensitive data super secure.
2. Regular Security Training
Teach your team how to spot and handle cyber threats. Comprehensive training programs should cover:
- Teach staff how to identify phishing emails and avoid phishing scams.
- Encourage the use of complex passwords and enable MFA to add an extra layer of security.
- Raise awareness about the risks of using unsecured public Wi-Fi and promote the use of VPNs.
- Train employees to verify email senders and scrutinize links before clicking to prevent phishing attacks.
3. Advanced Threat Detection
Using AI and machine learning to spot potential breaches is a game-changer. These techs sift through tons of data in real-time, spotting patterns and deviations that could signal a cyberattack. Setting up these advanced threat detection systems amplifies your ability to react quickly to any security issues that pop up.
4. Regular Cybersecurity Audits
Make sure you’re doing regular cybersecurity audits to check and beef up your security measures. Think of them like routine check-ups for your organization’s digital health — they help spot any security gaps and make sure you’re following your cybersecurity plans. Regular audits help:
- Keep the organization informed about new threats and the effectiveness of current defenses.
- Discover and rectify security weaknesses before they are exploited.
- Update obsolete security practices with more robust solutions.
5. Regular Data Backups
Make sure you always back up your important data regularly. This way, if something bad happens, like a cyberattack, your hardware crashes, or even if someone accidentally deletes anything, you won’t lose everything. A systematic backup strategy should include:
- Determine which data is essential to operations.
- Opt for traditional storage methods or cloud-based solutions based on scalability and accessibility.
- Establish and adhere to a consistent backup schedule.
- Regularly test backups to ensure data can be restored when needed.
- Ensure backups are encrypted during transmission and storage.
- Keep copies in separate physical locations for added security.
6. Collecting and Deleting Sensitive Data
Just gather what you really need in terms of sensitive data, and once you’re done using it, delete it. This way, you lower the risk of data breaches because there’s less sensitive information that could be compromised. Implement strict data management policies to ensure:
- Avoid collecting more data than necessary.
- Ensure sensitive data is deleted promptly after its intended use.
- Implement checks to prevent human error in data deletion processes.
Conclusion
India’s GCCs are all set to take the lead in cybersecurity, boosted by strong growth forecasts and a smart focus on resilience and innovation. The push for cybersecurity has been fast-tracked by global issues like the pandemic, highlighting just how pivotal GCCs are in driving change.
GCCs in India back up digital transformations, handling risks from technology and improving cybersecurity checks and rules. They’re all about spotting threats early, coming up with new cybersecurity ideas, and training up a skilled crew to keep it all running smoothly. Plus, with the government on board, cost savings, top-notch facilities, and plenty of smart people around, India’s becoming a real hotspot for cybersecurity.
As GCCs grow, they’re getting smarter about protecting data. They’re adopting top-notch practices to ensure they’re ready for any new threats. This not only keeps things safe in India but also makes a big difference worldwide in how secure our digital world can be.
