Career in Cyber Security: A profession in cyber security is a extraordinary preference for everyone who’s interested by protective information and systems from cyber threats. Cyber safety is a booming enterprise that offers lots of roles and opportunities for growth. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the variety of cybersecurity jobs is expected to boom by using 35 percent among 2021 and 2031.
Some of the common cybersecurity career paths are:
Engineering and architecture:
This involves designing and implementing security systems and infrastructure to prevent and mitigate cyber attacks. You may work as a security engineer, security architect, or security consultant.
You will need strong technical skills, such as programming, networking, system administration, and risk assessment. Some of the common certifications for this path are CompTIA Security+, Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer.
Incident response:
This involves responding to and managing security incidents, such as breaches, malware infections, or denial-of-service attacks. You may work as an incident responder, forensic analyst, or malware analyst. You will need skills in digital forensics, malware analysis, threat intelligence, and incident management.
Some of the common certifications for this path are GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), and GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA).
Management and administration:
This involves overseeing and coordinating the security policies, procedures, and operations of an organization. You may work as a security manager, security administrator, or security auditor. You will need skills in leadership, communication, project management, compliance, and governance. Some of the common certifications for this path are Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).
To get started in cybersecurity, you will need to develop some core IT skills, such as programming, networks and systems administration, and cloud computing. You may also benefit from having some form of structured training or education in cybersecurity, such as a degree or a certificate program. The Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate is one example of a program that can help you prepare for an entry-level role as a cybersecurity analyst.
How can I find job openings in cyber security?
There are many job openings in cyber security in India, as it is a growing and in-demand field. You can use various online platforms to search for and apply to cyber security jobs that match your skills and interests. Here are some examples of such platforms:
- Indeed: Indeed is a popular job search engine that allows you to browse through thousands of cyber security jobs across India. You can filter your search by location, salary, experience level, company, and more. You can also upload your resume and let employers find you.
- Naukri.com: Naukri.com is India’s leading job portal that offers a wide range of cyber security jobs from top companies and recruiters. You can create your profile, upload your resume, and get personalized job alerts based on your preferences. You can also access career guidance and tips from experts.
- Accenture: Accenture is a global professional services company that provides cyber security solutions to clients across various industries. You can explore their cyber security careers page and find out more about their roles, projects, culture, and benefits. You can also apply online and join their talent network.
These are just some of the examples of online platforms that can help you find job openings in cyber security. You can also use other sources, such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, or referrals from your network.
What are the qualifications required for a cyber security job?
The qualifications required for a cyber security job depend on the specific role and level of expertise you are aiming for. However, some of the common qualifications that are generally expected for most cyber security jobs are:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. This will help you develop the core IT skills and knowledge that are essential for cyber security. Some of the top universities in India offering cyber security courses are NIELIT Delhi, HITS Chennai, Brainware University, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata, and Amity University, Jaipur.
- A certification in cyber security that validates your skills and knowledge in a specific domain or technology. There are many certifications available, from general to vendor-specific, entry-level to advanced. Some of the popular certifications are CISSP, CISA, CEH, CIPP, and OSCP. You can also check out some of the top cyber security courses in India that can help you prepare for these certifications, such as Master Certificate in Cyber Security (Red Team), Stanford Advanced Computer Security Program, PGP in Cybersecurity, and PG Diploma/M.Tech in Cybersecurity.
- A relevant work experience in cyber security that demonstrates your ability to perform various tasks and responsibilities in a real-world setting. You may need to have at least two to five years of experience for most cyber security jobs, depending on the role and level. You can gain experience by working as an intern, a trainee, or a junior analyst in a cyber security firm or department. You can also participate in online platforms, competitions, or hackathons that challenge your skills and knowledge in cyber security.
- A portfolio of projects or achievements that showcase your skills and knowledge in cyber security. You can create your own projects or contribute to open-source projects that involve cyber security aspects, such as developing tools, applications, or systems that address a security problem or need. You can also highlight your achievements or awards that you have received for your cyber security work or activities, such as winning a hackathon, publishing a paper, or discovering a vulnerability.
These are some of the qualifications that can help you get a cyber security job. However, you should also keep in mind that cyber security is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and updating of skills and knowledge. Therefore, you should always be curious and passionate about cyber security and seek new opportunities to learn and grow. I hope this helps you in your career aspirations.
What are the job prospects for cyber security professionals in India?
The job prospects for cyber security professionals in India are very promising, as the demand for skilled and qualified cyber security experts is increasing rapidly. According to a report by NASSCOM, India alone would need 1 million cyber security professionals by 2020. Another report by PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts that India’s cyber security market will grow from USD 1.97 billion in 2019 to USD 3.05 billion by 2022, with a rate one and a half times than the global rate2.
There are various cyber security job roles in India that you can target, depending on your skills, interests, and experience. Some of the top cyber security jobs in India are:
- Network Security Engineer: This is a crucial role for any organization’s cyber security team, as it involves designing, installing, and maintaining security systems and firewalls to protect the network from cyber attacks. A network security engineer also monitors and analyzes the network traffic and performance, and troubleshoots any issues or incidents. The average salary for a network security engineer in India is INR 4.5 lakhs per annum.
- Cyber Security Analyst: This role involves implementing security systems to counter and stop threats, as well as conducting regular audits and assessments to ensure compliance and best practices. A cyber security analyst also researches and stays updated on the latest trends and developments in cyber security, and recommends solutions and improvements. The average salary for a cyber security analyst in India is INR 6 lakhs per annum.
- Security Architect: This role involves creating and implementing the overall security architecture and strategy for an organization, ensuring that it aligns with the business goals and objectives. A security architect also evaluates and tests the security systems and controls, and provides guidance and support to other cyber security professionals. The average salary for a security architect in India is INR 17 lakhs per annum.
- Cyber Security Manager: This role involves overseeing and managing the cyber security operations and activities of an organization, ensuring that they are efficient, effective, and secure. A cyber security manager also plans and executes cyber security projects and initiatives, and coordinates with other stakeholders and departments. The average salary for a cyber security manager in India is INR 12 lakhs per annum.
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): This is a senior-level role that involves leading and directing the cyber security vision and strategy of an organization, ensuring that it aligns with the business goals and objectives. A CISO also establishes and maintains the cyber security policies, standards, and procedures, and ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The average salary for a CISO in India is INR 25 lakhs per annum.
These are just some of the examples of cyber security job roles in India that you can pursue. There are many other roles available, such as penetration tester, vulnerability analyst, ethical hacker, information security manager, application security engineer, etc. You can explore more about these roles on various online platforms, such as Indeed, Naukri.com, Accenture, etc.
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