Cyber Security: A growing career option in India
Cyber security is a specialised area of Information Technology (IT) that is considered a subset of Computer Science. This subject gives information and skills needed to safeguard computer operating systems, networks, and data against cyberattacks. Due to the rising occurrence of cybercrimes, cyber security as a profession has evolved over time. Any industry that conducts business online or handles sensitive data requires the services of a cyber security expert to protect its data from criminals. Here is everything a a candidate wishing to pursue a career in this field needs to know.
Courses available
Students interested in pursuing cyber security can take up undergraduate courses after Class 12.
The undergraduate courses (3-4 years) include:
- BE in Information Technology
- BTech in Cyber Security
- BTech in Computer Science Engineering with Cyber Security and Quick Heal
- BTech in Computer Science Engineering with Cyber Security and Forensics
- BTech in Computer Science Engineering with Certified Cyber Security Investigato
- BTech in Computer Science Engineering with Cyber Security with Networking and Cyber Security
- BCA in Cyber Security
- B.Sc in Cyber Security
Eligibility criteria
Students aspiring to build a career in the field of cyber security need to enrol themselves in the relevant UG course after class XII. Candidates must have completed Class 12 with 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics stream from a recognised board to be eligible for admission to the undergraduate degree programmes. They also need to appear for and qualify entrance exams conducted by different colleges and universities such as Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT) and Andhra Pradesh AP Engineering, Agricultural and Medical Common Entrance Test (AP-EAMCET), etc.
Institutes for studying cyber security courses
MIT School of Engineering, Pune, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata, KR Mangalam University, Gurugram, VELS Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai, Sharda University, Greater NOIDA and Woxsen University, Hyderabad are some of the institutes that offer undergraduate courses in cyber security in India.
Skills required for a cyber security professional
A cyber security expert needs to have these skills in place: Intrusion detection, malware analysis and reversing, programming, knowledge of Black Hat software, risk analysis and mitigation, cloud security, security analysis, SIEM management, fundamental computer forensics skills and problem-solving skills.
Subjects taught in a cyber security course
Introduction to Cyber Space, data collection and processing, optimal information security investment, operational security management, security of social media and windows, smartphone security guidelines, cyber security initiatives in India and cyber security threat landscape and techniques are taught as part of the cyber security undergraduate programme in India.
Career options
Students can expect to work in the following job profiles after completing a cybersecurity course: Chief information security officer, security auditor, vulnerability accessor, security administrator, security software developer, incident responder, security consultant, cryptographer, security architect, security code auditor and security analyst. Organisations such as PwC, Diageo, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Capgemini, Amazon, IBM, Google and Cisco Systems hire cyber security graduates.