ICT Ministry to Train 1,000 'Cybertroops' to Tackle Security Threats Online
Jakarta. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology is starting a program to train 1,000 young people as cybersecurity professionals to combat cyber-attacks against Indonesia.
Officials consider resilient cybersecurity as crucial, because it enables the government to continue providing services to the public while protecting its systems from cyber-attacks.
ICT Minister Rudiantara said the program, dubbed "Born to Control," is not aimed at taking control of society and social media, but intended to protect the state from the cybersecurity threats – especially from other countries.
"Cyber-attacks are an extraordinary case for Indonesia. Back in 2015, Indonesia had 28 million cyber-attacks. We can't ignore this case anymore," Rudiantara said at the launch of a cybersecurity program in Jakarta on Monday (30/01).
The ministry will seek 10,000 talented young candidates during a roadshow in Jakarta, Bandung (West Java), Yogyakarta, Malang (East Java), Denpasar (Bali), Makassar (South Sulawesi), Manado (North Sulawesi), Samarinda (East Kalimantan), Medan (North Sumatra) and Palembang (South Sumatra).
Those wishing to participate in the selection process, which will be known as Cybersecurity Gladiator Indonesia, must be at least 17 years old and be either students of college graduates.
They will receive cybersecurity network training from Xynexis, a security services company that was cofounded by Jim Geovedi – an IT security expert with specialized knowledge of telecommunication and satellite systems. The "cybertroops" will also gain basic knowledge from the Computer Science University Association (Aptikom) and Noosc Academy.
Later, the number of candidates will be narrowed down to the best 1,000, who will proceed to the next step, when they will receive certificates and specialized training at DigitalCamp.
They will also gain access to the well-known cybersecurity companies that are in partnership with the ICT Ministry.
The program is also aimed at educating young people who have a passion for cybersecurity become professionals in that role.
ICT Ministry spokesman Noor Iza said Indonesia currently has a shortage of cybersecurity talent, which leaves the country's strategic industry, defense, government and businesses vulnerable.
"It is very necessary [to seek prospective talent] as cybersecurity is an expertise that blends management, technology and artistic skills," Noor Iza said.
He said talented candidates will be offered job opportunities in cybersecurity roles in the government.
Prospective participants can register here. They will be required to go through a selection process before entering the competition. This includes security tests (consisting of a hacking contest and an information technology quiz), seminars in 10 cities in Indonesia and semifinal selection online before the finalists proceed to DigitalCamp.
Participants will also enjoy access to cybersecurity reference modules that can be downloaded from the website.
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