Use of digital payment systems, online banking and cloud computing present new challenges in cybersecurity. The protection of data and the continuity of the operation of the digital systems is becoming increasingly important. For students interested in technology and related careers, India presents several options in cybersecurity.
Why are cybersecurity careers gaining popularity in India?
As the organisations’ services move to the online space, the importance of protecting digital information increases. Banks, hospitals, educational institutions, IT companies and many other organisations deal with and process a huge amount of sensitive data.
Cybersecurity challenges are increasing in India as well. In 2021, CERT-In reported 29.44 lac cyber incidents in India. Although the number of incidents reported is large, it does not necessarily reflect the existing or new jobs in the space.
What organisations need are individuals with the skills to find vulnerabilities and investigate cases of suspicious activities and security incidents.
What are the roles and responsibilities?
There are several opportunities in the field of cybersecurity. Some of them are -
Security Analyst – Monitors and investigates security incidents.
Ethical Hacker – Tests the security of IT systems.
Security Engineer – Develops and implements controls to maintain the security of an IT system.
Incident Responder – Investigates security incidents and helps to contain the threat.
Digital Forensics – Examines digital evidence.
Junior Security Analyst and Security Operations Centre jobs are the first step to the field for beginners.
More advanced and specialized jobs may require more elaborate technical skills and experience.
What cybersecurity skills should students learn?
There is a strong case to be made that student must take a more applied and practical approach to learning to be prepared for cybersecurity jobs.
This knowledge helps them to be more critical of systems and recognize failure modes.
Look at the basics of computing, like how computer networks and systems work, along with basic programming and security. Learn about basic security principles, including how to implement and interpret various types of controls, encryption and authentication.
It is also useful to take a practical, hands-on approach to learning. For example, a student could learn basic forensics by analysing access logs to determine whether repeated login failures may indicate an attack.
Practice helps them learn concepts like those above and integrate them with other important skills like communication and cooperation. Most students seem to agree that they wish they had better hands-on opportunities to practice.
What kind of courses are available for students to take to launch a career in cybersecurity?
There are numerous options in India to help students forge a career in cybersecurity. The most suitable option for students depends on their personal preferences and interests.
Students should look for foundational courses in programming, computing and the information technology fields. These can help students build a good foundation to launch a career in security.
Certifications also provide the opportunity for students to focus on a specific technical area. Students should perform due diligence to evaluate the practical value of a certification before making a decision.
Students should look beyond a university's program offerings. Consider a university's laboratory facilities, faculty expertise, opportunity to work on projects, and other considerations.
Students interested in programs at Swarrnim StartUp & Innovation University can look into the university's other related technology offerings.
They should confirm the details of the courses they are interested in directly with the university before making an admission decision.
What is the future scope of cybersecurity in India?
There is a rapidly growing market for cybersecurity professionals due to the increasing sophistication and impact of cyber threats. Due to the rapid pace of technological change, numerous new specialisations have emerged, and new challenges are introduced. An individual can specialise in security for areas such as cloud, mobile, and other application environments, as well as identity security and artificial intelligence. Each of these areas contain various technical skills and practical challenges.
There is a variety of ways to help security professionals investigate alerts and threats, and prioritize their efforts, including tools that attempt to automate threat detection. This should be done within the context of a broad understanding of security, investigative procedures, and analysis skills.
Continuous learning, as well as research and analysis of latest changes in information technology and security, should be done by individuals interested in this area. There are no courses or certifications that guarantee employment.
1. What are some of the other frequently asked questions about cyber security careers in India?
A computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity degree can provide an excellent foundation, along with the right projects and certifications.
2. Can you start a career in cybersecurity after graduation?
Yes. There are plenty of opportunities for graduates to gain cybersecurity skills through training and/or projects, as well as appropriate entry-level jobs.
3. What skills should beginners learn first?
To begin, you should learn about basic programming, operating systems, networking and other related skills. Practice these in authorized environments and take instructional courses if necessary.
4. Is cybersecurity a good career choice in India?
Individuals who enjoy and are good at learning new technologies, and are interested in problem solving may find a cybersecurity career a good choice. Opportunities may vary based on specialization, employers, experience, and other factors.
5. How do I start my career in cybersecurity?
Starting a career in cybersecurity requires having a good technical foundation, continuous practice and the willingness to learn. Determine which role is of interest to you, and build related projects. There are many free and paid online courses to help you build the foundation. If you are considering Tech Ed at Swarrnim Startup & Innovation University, familiarize yourself with our relevant offerings and determine what may be your next step.
