In an increasingly digitally connected world, governments, the military, corporates, financial institutions, hospitals, and medical research institutes, collect, process, and store unprecedented amounts of data on computers and other networked devices. Much of this data on Intellectual property, financial data, personal information, research data, security information can be sensitive. Institutions and Nations can face negative consequences or severe security implications if their data is accessed illegally or exposed in the public domain. Learning Cyber security ensures such unauthorized access and breach of critical security installations and institutions are prevented and safeguarded.
Many organizations transmit vast amounts of sensitive data across private & public networks in doing their normal business. Cyber security is responsible for protecting that information and the systems and networks used to store and process them. As the frequency and complexity of cyber-attacks grow, organizations, especially departments tasked with safeguarding information relating to national security, health, and financial records, take required steps to protect their business and personnel information.
What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is the framework of technologies, processes, and practices designed and deployed to protect networks, devices, programs, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. Cyber security is also frequently called Information Technology security.
Types of Cyber security:
There are many types of cyber security, and they include the following:
- Network security: Deals with the process of protecting the network from unwanted users and potential intrusions.
- Application security: Apps have to be regularly updated and tested to ensure they are secure from attacks.
- Endpoint security: Remote access is necessary for normal & routine business, making it vulnerable to unwanted access. Endpoint security safeguards remote access to a company’s network.
- Data security: Protecting company and customer information is another important aspect of data security.
- Identity management:This deals with understanding and regulating the individuals’ access in an organization.
- Database and infrastructure security:Protecting this database infrastructure is important.
- Cloud security:Much of large data are stored in digital environments called “cloud integration solutions,” which has to be protected from online threats.
- Mobile security: Cell phones and tablets present several security challenges, which need to be secured.
- Disaster recovery/business continuity planning: Data must be protected, and business must continue during a breach, natural disaster, or any such natural event.
Overview of subjects and typical courses available:
It is useful to be aware of the key subjects covered in Cyber security training programs. This will help assess and align aptitude and interests suitably to enjoy the training and make the best out of it.
Subjects covered include:
- Operating Systems
- Network Security
- Information Assurance
- Digital Forensics
- Computer Ethics and Privacy
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Project Management
- Computer Forensics
- Cyber Law
- Introduction to Data Mining
- Telecommunication Systems
- Secure Software Design
- Risk Analysis
The subjects offered again depend on Certificate, Graduate, or postgraduate programs.
Cyber security courses:
There are broadly three levels of Cyber security courses available for aspirants to choose from, depending on their current qualification level in the subject:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
5) Planning for Cyber security study programs:
a. Courses and accreditation: There are several free certificate courses. Degree and postgraduate degree programs equip aspirants in advanced Cyber security training and are typically paid programs.
It is important to enroll for courses into institutes accredited with reputed Academic and Industry bodies. This will ensure that there is wide acceptance amongst stakeholders and will facilitate placements or good job offers.
b. On-Campus and Online programs: When you research programs and courses, consider whether you would prefer to study online or in a traditional classroom. Both have their merits and demerits, and each may be suited to particular types of students. For instance, a working parent might find the flexibility of an online program to continue working, manage family commitments while taking classes, and move towards career advancement. Some students may be able to attend classes during or after working hours, and they need to weigh the benefits offered by the structure and interaction of a traditional classroom course.
Many aspirants opt for online courses due to the flexibility in scheduling. However, some online programs require students to log in at particular times to participate in chat room-based studies or attend a lecture virtually.
c. Faculty academic-industrial background- Learning Cyber Security
Faculty exposed to cyber security challenges in the government or industry will hugely add to the practical knowledge they will impart to the students. Therefore, aspirants’ must adequately research Training Institutions faculty academic and working background to get the best practical knowledge possible.
These are some aspects that aspiring students and working professionals need to consider before deciding.
6) Career options and scope, Learning Cyber Security:
There are many good career choices available for aspirants. Some of the typical portfolios that describe the nature of the Cyber security work are:
- Information Security Analyst
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Security Engineer
- Security Systems Administrator
- Cryptographer/Cryptologist
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Intrusion Detection Specialist
- Computer Security Incident Responder
- Vulnerability Assessor
- Security Consultant/Specialist
Salary packages are very good for those trained in Cyber security, depending on their skills in different types of cyber security, specialization, and experience. It is estimated that Cyber security professionals in India are offered salary packages ranging from INR 10 lakhs to 50 lakhs per annum. In the US, average Cyber security salaries range from $120,000 to $200,000.
Conclusion:
The cyber security market in India was valued at nearly INR 140 billion in 2019. This was expected to reach INR 290 billion by 2025, considering the growth in digital adoption and vulnerability to increased online threats. The global cyber security market was valued at USD 183.34 billion in 2020 and is forecast to reach USD 539.78 billion by 2030.
This presents several opportunities for aspirants desiring a career in cyber security. Such aspirants should plan well and make the best use of the free online cyber security courses with certificates available for training in cyber security.
