India's rapid digitisation has led to an alarming rise in cyber threats, necessitating robust cybersecurity solutions. Ransomware attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and stringent regulatory compliance requirements have intensified the pressure on businesses, government bodies, and financial institutions. To tackle these challenges, building indigenous cybersecurity capabilities is crucial to reduce dependency on foreign solutions. This blog post discusses the multiple advantages of using an integrated cybersecurity solution, as well as its effectiveness in combating changing cyber threats.
WhizRange: Pioneering India's Cybersecurity Training
In a significant move to bolster India’s cyber resilience, WhizHack Technologies has introduced WhizRange, the nation’s first indigenous cyber range designed to train professionals and students in real-world cyber-attack scenarios. Unlike costly international platforms from Israel, Estonia, and the USA, WhizRange is a cost-effective solution that empowers India’s cybersecurity workforce.
Kaushik Ray, COO of WhizHack Technologies, highlighted the pressing threats faced by Indian organizations, stating, “Ransomware attacks affected 76% of SMEs and 70% of large enterprises in 2024, particularly in sectors like Healthcare, Manufacturing, Government, and BFSI. With the Digital Personal Data Protection Act enforcing stricter regulations, organizations struggle with data protection, secure cross-border data flows, and compliance penalties of up to ₹250 crore.”
- Key Features of WhizRange:
● WhizRange equips students and professionals with practical cybersecurity skills through:
● Simulated Training Environments: Realistic scenarios to strengthen defense strategies.
● Advanced Skill Development: Access to 150+ tools for comprehensive cybersecurity training.
● Red Team vs. Blue Team Exercises: Adversarial simulations to enhance teamwork and response strategies.
● AI-Driven Capture The Flag (CTF) Challenges: Real-world challenges across IT, OT security, digital forensics, and banking.
● Cloud-Compatible and Customizable: Easily deployable on any cloud infrastructure.
● Reflective Debriefing and Evaluation: Continuous skill development through performance assessments.
- Addressing the Cybersecurity Skills Gap:
India faces a critical shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, contributing to a global shortfall of 4 million experts. Reports indicate that 92% of Indian organizations experienced breaches due to inadequate skills, and 80% acknowledged that this talent gap increases security risks.
Kaushik Ray noted, “We are targeting both educational institutions and corporate organizations. Despite technological advancements, many employees remain vulnerable to cyberattacks due to inadequate training. Nearly 45% of employed individuals globally have fallen victim to cyberattacks, emphasizing the need for enhanced awareness and proactive defence measures.”
- Empowering Education and Corporate Sectors:
For educational institutions, WhizRange bridges the gap between academic learning and industry demands, preparing students for real-world cybersecurity challenges. With India’s significant role in global cybersecurity talent development, investing in such initiatives is essential.
For corporations, WhizRange offers advanced training for incident response teams, red teams, and blue teams, refining their cybersecurity strategies. It enables organizations to upskill employees, reducing security risks and enhancing organizational resilience against evolving cyber threats.
- National Cyber Resilience and Strategic Collaborations:
WhizHack Technologies is actively collaborating with government bodies and defence organizations to train cybersecurity personnel and strengthen national cyber resilience. Its hands-on training approach ensures professionals are prepared to tackle emerging threats, boosting career growth and employability in a rapidly expanding industry.
Since its launch in 2024, WhizRange has received widespread acclaim as India’s first and only homegrown cyber range featuring simulations for both OT and IT networks. It has been adopted by prestigious institutions, including IITs and private universities, as well as private banks and enterprises for large-scale automated skilling.
Kaushik Ray emphasised, “India was reliant on international suppliers from Israel, Estonia, and the USA for advanced cyber defence training, which was costly and complicated. WhizRange eliminates this dependency, making cybersecurity training accessible and scalable across the nation.”
- Building India’s Cyber Resilience:
As India accelerates its digital transformation, homegrown solutions like WhizRange are crucial for enhancing cybersecurity preparedness, reducing reliance on foreign technologies, and empowering a new generation of cyber professionals. With the growing threat landscape, the time to strengthen India’s cyber defences is now.