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Cybersecurity as a Career Choice and Its Scope

Cybersecurity as a Career Choice and Its Scope

13-Jan-2022

Organizations have become increasingly exposed to hacking and cyber-attacks as our global economy has resulted in more Internet-based computing and communication around the world. The demand for cybersecurity is at an all-time high, as the global business environment shifts to online and cloud data storage and management. This has increased the demand for cybersecurity experts that are familiar with and skilled in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. In terms of skill sets and occupations, the breadth of cybersecurity has greatly expanded.

When it comes to the cybersecurity sector, there is still a skills gap that will take a few years to close. A lot of job and salary data in the cybersecurity space was explored during National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). The cyber security field is observed to have edged on as a high-paying field for professionals requiring a well-trained workforce.

Cyber security Explained

To put it in simple words, just as we employ personnel guards for safeguarding physical establishments, in order to secure our online data employing cyber security specialists is necessary.

Technically, Cyber security can be defined as the science of securing systems, networks, and data be it a computer, mobile or digital devices, or operating systems from malicious intrusions. It can also be termed as Information security or electronic information security.

The goal of cybersecurity is to assist you in defending and recovering your networks, devices, and programs from cyber-attacks of any form.

With increased internet exposure, not only commercial data but also personal data is at risk of being misused. Cyber-attacks are a threat to businesses, governments, and individuals alike. Essentially, everybody who uses the internet is at risk.

Setting up strong cyber security entails implementing layers of security for your data sealed with encryption. Consequently performing this action requires extensive expertise before a hacker or anybody else can get to it. Apart from the technology, the breadth of cybersecurity also includes your ability to make the best cyber protection decisions.

What is the Future for Cybersecurity as a Career?

The year 2020 was projected to witness a requirement of 1 million cyber security professionals to combat cyber threats, as per the analysis made by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM). This has far-reaching consequences for the economy as a whole. Hence, for any aspiring individual wishing to cut their mark in this challenging field, there is no better time than now to plan out one's career path. They can begin by earning a degree in IT or the most important credentials like the cyber security certification through a properly formulated cyber security course.

It is evident by the superseding numbers of job posting clicks in India that the country has become a hub for cyber security professionals. India is experiencing a higher number of job postings in comparison to the United States and the United Kingdom. Following industry statistics, professionals see immense growth and scope in the following positions and are the most in-demand:

Cyber Security Analyst
Security Architect
Cyber Security Manager
Chief Information Security Officer
Network Security Engineer

Exploring the top profiles in the Cyber security job market

Cyber Security Analyst: A Cyber security analyst is someone who oversees and verifies the security parameters of all networks and ensures that they are intact at all times. The job position also entails examining the security requirements of the network, be it a new network or an upgraded version. The security aspects are then planned, implemented, and upgraded.

Cyber Security Analysts are responsible for constantly monitoring network access, making modifications, and identifying system flaws. It does not end there, their duty includes the job of constantly assessing the risk, doing security evaluations, and running the network properly. They also take charge in providing security awareness training and ensure that the best security standards are adhered to at all times.

Salary: Analysts have a lot of opportunities in the field of cyber security, and they get paid well. The average income offered by the industry is close to 6 lacs, with a top salary of 10 lacs in India.

Security Architect: A security architect is responsible for creating the company's network and computer security architecture. The security architect assists in the planning, research, and design of security features. The security architect prepares a design based on the company's demands before collaborating with the programming team to construct the final structure. They have the role to design company policies and procedures for how their organization's personnel should use security systems, as well as punitive action in the event of lapses, in addition to building the architecture.

Salary: This is a senior position in the sector, with a lot of opportunities for architects in Cyber Security positions. A Security Analyst earns an average salary of Rs 17 lacs in India.

Cybersecurity Manager: This cybersecurity expert is in charge of an organization's security protocols. They are concerned with process strategizing to increase network and data security. As a manager, they have access to a whole team of IT professionals who are dedicated to improving data management and security processes and systems around the clock. With respect to the latest trends in cyber dangers, a cybersecurity manager is charged with an incredibly significant research job. This understanding is what motivates a company's security rules to be written.

Salary: The typical annual salary for this position starts at INR 12 lakhs in India and can climb tremendously based on performance.

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Businesses are increasingly appointing a Chief Information Security Officer. Given the expanding dangers to cybersecurity in a fast-growing global economy, it's only logical to appoint a CISO. It is a C-level executive position while acting as the chief of the organization's security. A CISO handles all of the security chiefs that report to him and oversees the overall security installations, not on a micro-level.

The CISO's primary responsibility is to ensure that the cybersecurity plan is in line with the company's vision, operations, and technology. To ensure the prevention of any form of a security breach, the CISO follows a consistent process of identifying, creating, implementing, and managing enterprise processes. The CISO is also in charge of establishing and reviewing security policies and risk mitigation plans for the firm

Salary: A CISO's typical pay ranges from INR 2 crore to INR 4 crore in India.

Network Security Engineer: This is an extremely important position, and practically every organization of any kind employs a network security engineer or specialist. The job includes putting in place the best security strategy for the network based on the requirements. The role of a Network Security Engineer entails making sure of fulfilling the following task with precision and competency:

Maintaining the security systems
Timely identification of Vulnerabilities
Enhance automation without compromising security
Prevent security breaches by maintaining firewalls, switches, and routers

Salary: This profile has a lot of opportunities for Cyber Security jobs in India. A network security engineer's typical income is around 6 lacs and can go as high as 8 lacs in India.

Requirements for Cyber Security jobs and their scope

If you've been looking for the appropriate IT career path, you've probably found it by now. However, before you enter the region or want to enhance yourself, it is critical to have a thorough understanding of the facts.

Requirements in terms of education or experience

In India, there is a huge demand for Cyber Security professions, and to get into the industry, you'll need at least a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. An engineering degree or a three-year graduate program in Computer networks and systems would suffice. Another ideal trajectory is to enroll in a cyber security course online right after our degree programs. The upside to undertaking training through a cyber security course online is that it prepares you with experimental knowledge.

If you have more than 2-5 years of relevant experience in the subject of cybersecurity, this is an excellent time to enter the sector. Because demand is increasing, you may always take more certificates or continuously renew your present credentials to stay ahead in the race through a cyber security online course.

Where and How to go about learning Cybersecurity?

There are many options available now for taking a cyber security course. However, exercise caution when selecting the appropriate path. Spend time checking for references, accreditations, placement history, and training modules as part of your due diligence.

A Cyber security online course boosts the value of your degree or diploma and gives you access to expert hands-on mentoring, live classes with Q&A sessions, the most cutting-edge and research-based curriculum, and meticulously curated course modules and resources.

The days of only traditional learning institutions being able to provide the essential skills and credentials are long gone. Your large career in cybersecurity is no longer a faraway dream with such a wide scope of cybersecurity in front of you and such engaging, state-of-the-art learning modules from numerous platforms.

The most in-demand skills for a thriving Cyber security career

There is no doubt that the job market is growing and will continue to grow in the future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for Information Security Analysts is expected to increase by 37% by 2020.

Because there are so many sub-disciplines, pinpointing the particular technical abilities required to earn good pay is challenging. It's worth noting that Cyber Security has a good scope in all of these disciplines. However, in a broader sense, we might argue that to enter space, one must have a basic to advanced understanding of:

(i) Understanding of network and system design, administration, and management

(ii) Knowing how to program in a popular programming language such as Python, Java, C/C++, Shell, or PHP.

Companies are also emphasizing the need of recruiting trained and certified professionals. Below are some of the certifications that are in high demand across companies

CEH -Certified Ethical Hacker.
OSCP-Offensive Security Certified Professional.
CISA - Certified Information Security Auditor.
GCIH (GIAC Certified Incident Handler)
CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
CISSP-ISSAP (Certified Information Systems Security Architecture Professional)
CISSP-ISSEP Information Systems Security Engineering Professional.
CISSP-ISSMP Information Systems Security Management Professional.

Is Cyber security a good career option for the future?

The Demand for a Secure Digital Environment is Growing. The tremendous rise in cyber-crime reflects the steady rise of the networked economy around the world. Consequently, it has become a source of concern for almost all public and private organizations. It's no surprise that businesses are prepared to pay millions of dollars to cyber security professionals in order to protect their IT infrastructure from hostile attacks. However, despite the growing need, there is a significant imbalance between supply and demand. In reality, one of the most pressing concerns facing organizations today is the lack of qualified security personnel. According to (ISC) 2 data, there is a global need for close to three million cyber security specialists. With a population of roughly 2.15 million, APAC has the biggest shortage, owing in part to its developing economy and new cyber security and data privacy legislation passed across the region.

Talking about India, Demonetization and the following implementation of projects such as Digital India have ushered in a new era of digitization, which has increased the susceptibility of the country to cyber attacks. Compliance with universal data protection regulations, which were implemented late last year, is another factor contributing to the rising demand for cyber security expertise. Hene, if you are contemplating whether data science is a hood career option, you have the answer for yourself. With the industry seeing a rapid hike, now is the right time for interested individuals to kick start their data science journey.

Several major institutions have introduced basic cyber security training courses and cyber security training certificates for students and professionals who have the appropriate knowledge and aptitude for this subject to help bridge the gap between demand and supply. Since most cyber security specialists throughout the world originate from various fields and are mostly self-taught, there has been no official schooling in the sector until now. With the rapid growth of technology and the dynamic nature of cyber-crime, however, a cyber security fundamentals program can better educate students to combat today's trained cybercriminals! There are now online cyber security courses available from reputable national and international colleges.

A satisfying professional vocation that pays attractive remuneration

Cyber security provides an unrivaled opportunity to work in a dynamic atmosphere while being well-compensated for students and professionals who are naturally curious and inclined towards pursuing a career in software and technology.

The annual salary for cyber security heads, according to KPMG, ranges from $2 million to $4 million. The industry also has a 68 percent satisfaction rate, making it a mentally and financially rewarding employment for most people.

Of course, acquiring the correct training can make your CV more appealing to potential employers, and taking a cyber security course could be the first step toward launching your dream profession.

Diverse areas that one can choose from to venture into as a Cyber Security professional

Cyber security is diversified in various types and forms creating massive opportunities for aspiring individuals. To make an informed decision about which cybersecurity package to choose, you must first become familiar with the various varieties offered. Here's a rundown of the various sorts of cybersecurity to think about:

Security of Critical Infrastructure: This type of application can be found in applications that contain cyber-physical systems, such as the electrical grid or water purification systems.

Network Safety: This one is designed to safeguard internal networks from intruders using a two-factor authentication mechanism. This is accomplished by safeguarding the infrastructure that supports the design.

Application Protection: An application may be vulnerable to external threats while it is being developed. This cybersecurity kind, like an antivirus program or a firewall, employs both hardware and software to combat threats.

Information Security: This is used to safeguard any type of data, whether it is stored online or offline. This cybersecurity category, often known as InfoSec, safeguards data from unauthorized access, destruction, disclosure, or any other kind of malice.

Cloud Security: On-premise attacks are always a hazard to data stored in the cloud. To prevent data corruption, you can employ cloud security, which is a software-based technique.

Data Loss Prevention: This is primarily concerned with the procedures and policies in place to prevent data loss. This covers data storage policies and network permissions.

End-user Training: This entails informing end-users or the broader public on best practices for utilizing the internet.

Get Hired by Industry Top-players

Over the last five years, job postings in the cybersecurity industry have increased by 74%, and according to Cisco research, there are approximately 1 million vacant cybersecurity jobs worldwide. According to Symantec, the scarcity will only worsen, with 1.5 million unfilled jobs in the field by 2019.

Indeed looked at the demand for cybersecurity workers in ten countries for the report. The top five countries with the most shortages were Israel, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany.

According to the Indeed research, because of the supply and demand imbalance, cybersecurity specialists enjoy a wide range of work opportunities and high incomes.

Top companies hiring Cyber Security Professionals :

Global Level

Apple
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Patient First
Lockheed Martin
General Motors
Capital One
Cisco
Intel
Northrop Grumman Boeing

In India:

PwC
EY
Tata Consultancy Services
Wipro
Cognizant Technology Solutions
Deloitte
Honeywell
IBM
Capgemini
HCL Technologies
KPMG
Infosys
DXC Technology
Accenture,
Tech Mahindra

A cybersecurity career is increasingly becoming one of the most sought-after career alternatives, due to the elevated demand for cybersecurity professionals and the substantial salary they offer. If you are aspiring to venture into this field you must prioritize taking advantage of the innumerable cyber security courses online and equip yourself with the finest skills and be industry-ready.

It’s without a doubt that a career in Cyber Security is a good choice. Also, no one can deny that cyber-attacks have become more sophisticated than ever before. Experts in cyber security, on the other hand, have yet to improve their skills. While the opportunity exists, now is the greatest time to study or update your Cyber Security abilities so that you are prepared to ride the Cyber Security career wave. If the cyber security prospects interest and attracts you and have the zeal, it is best to advance your profession, enroll in a Cyber Security Course.