Cyber-security course can give you a lucrative career option

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma

In Covid era the world economy and society are now interconnected by supply chains, communications technology and travel. The rapid growth of the number of appliances, devices, vehicles and infrastructure are linked which is foremost to the overly interconnected world. Rise in demand of digitalisation services creates a network of Internet of Things devices to enable better consumer experience but also raises the high incidence of cyberattacks.

Cyber Security jobs now are one of the hottest jobs for students. The demand for jobs in cybersecurity growth is unmatched in any other technology domain. Companies across the world have been continuously targeted for cyber-Attacks. This scenario has given massive opportunities for professionals willing to enter the security domain. cyber-Security today serves as a major source of employment and a lucrative career option. First step is to acquire basic cybersecurity skills, followed by choosing a specific domain based on personal interest and market demand. For a successful career, students need to get in-depth training, develop skills, and acquire specific certifications in security.

India faced almost 7 lakh cyber-attacks in August 2020 report by (MeITY). As per the report India was ranked third and one of the biggest victims of cyber-attacks in recent years, makes it even more exigent.

The world’s second largest internet-connected country needs to brace itself by training a sufficient pool of cyber warriors to deflect and deal with the ever-rising cyber security threats posed to its IT-driven product and service infrastructure and systems.

Plethora of courses

In recent years government and private players both have introduced a flurry of specialised and standalone courses on cyber security. From part-time to distance learning to online mode with varied provisions for certification, diploma and degree programmes, these courses have found much popularity among students as well as career professionals. The government is actively promoting the learning of cyber security related courses.  According to a popular education sector tracking website, 204 colleges offered under graduate and postgraduate levels programmes in cyber security, including both government and private, in the Country.

Scope

Cyber security professionals are focused on delivering technologies that help move business operations forward while preserving sensitive information. Despite the recent increase in popularity of cyber security as a course in our universities, colleges and institutes, are not enough. India has less than 10,000 professionals in this field. Therefore, it is time that cyber security as a specialised discipline with all its attendant sub-disciplines becomes an integral component of any IT syllabus being taught within our university systems as well as outside. At the same time, we also need to strengthen the foundations of our human resources by improving the quality of our STEM graduates.

Eligibility 

Apart from a relevant degree in technology, students need to have a basic knowledge about advanced cybersecurity concepts, extensive cybersecurity work experience, industry certifications, knowledge of regulatory policies is usually required to make a career in cybersecurity. The tremendous rise in cyberattacks is increasing the opportunities for professionals from all backgrounds who want to make a career in cybersecurity. Even people from humanities background can make a career in cybersecurity. 

Role

In this field there is an ocean of opportunities for candidates who are Interested in pursuing or enrolling for a cyber security course. Security Specialist, Incident Responder, Security Analyst, Security Administrator, Security Manager, Security Auditor and Forensic Expert are some of the key roles that these professionals can look for. All roles require a wide range of responsibilities depending upon the industry you choose, whether it is bank, retailers or government bodies. 

The growing popularity of cloud-based applications and widespread use of the Internet cyber security has great potential. If you’re ready to explore this career path, then choose it as a career choice.

 The writer is Dean Academics, Sanskriti University

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